Logistical teamwork tames Madagascar wildcats

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · Pet. Eng. Int.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5720563

Twa, W

Amoco Production Company's exploration program in western Madagascar's Sakalaya coastal plain exemplifies the unique logistical challenges both operator and drilling contractor must undergo to reach the few remaining onshore frontier areas. Sakalava is characterized by deep rivers, flood prone tributaries, and a lone 40 km hard-surface road. Problems caused by a lack of port facilities and oil field services are complicated by thousands of square miles of unimproved wooded plains. Rainwater from the nearby mountains of central Madagascar frequently floods rivers in the Sakalava coastal plain leaving impassable marshes in their wake. Prior to this project, about 45 wells had been drilled in Madagascar. Most recently, state oil company Omnis contracted Bawden Drilling International Inc. to drill nine wells for its heavy oil project on the Tsimioro oil prospect. Bawden provided both logistical and drilling services for that program.

• Research Organization: Bawden Drilling International Inc., Houston, TX
• OSTI ID: 5720563
• Journal Information: Pet. Eng. Int.; (United States), Vol. 58:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
MADAGASCAR
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
EXPLORATION
CONTRACTORS
FLOODS
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
RAIN
RIVERS
WELL DRILLING
AFRICA
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
DISASTERS
DRILLING
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
INDUSTRY
ISLANDS
MINERAL RESOURCES
RESOURCES
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration