London-listed Ophir Energy has started drilling the first of three exploration wells in block R off Equatorial Guinea where it is looking to find enough reserves to feed a second liquefaction train on Bioko Island.
Ocean Rig semi-submersible Eirik Raude (pictured) will first drill the top-hole sections at the Fortuna East and Fortuna West prospects before moving on to drill fully the Tonel-1 probe.
After completing Tonel-1 late this month, the rig is forecast to complete Fortuna West and Fortuna East between late August and late September.
Each well is expected to cost between $25 million and $30 million.
The wells are targeting 2.2
