New York and London Listed junior VAALCO Energy, has reported an on-going exploration drilling to confirm the western extension of the Etame field, in shallow offshore Gabon.
The West Etame step out exploration well was spud in mid-February 2026, the company says.
VAALCO is drilling the well from the S1 slot on the Etame platform Etame West (ET-14P).
The bar is considerably low. “The exploration prospect has a 57% chance of geologic success and is expected to reach the target zone by mid-March 2026”, VAALCO says in a statement, adding: “On a success, the exploration prospect would add meaningful production and reserves to VAALCO’s 2026 year-end”.
VAALCO’s upbeat press release also includes updates on its earlier operations on the Etame accumulation.
“The company successfully drilled, completed and placed on production the Etame 15H-ST development well in the 1V block of the Etame field, with a lateral of 250 metres of net pay in high-quality Gamba sands near the top of the reservoir;
“o Stabilized flow rate of approximately 2,000 gross barrels of oil per day (BOPD) with a 38% water cut, through a 42/64 choke and ESP at 54 Hz, confirming expectations from the ET-15P pilot well results;
“o Actively managing the well to stabilize pressure and manage the reservoir”.
