The US minnow VAALCO Energy, has reported the result of the West Etame step out exploration well.
The verdict is: “It’s a Dud”.
The Etame West ET-14P exploration well, spud in mid-February 2026, encountered 10 metres of high-quality Gamba sands, in line with pre-drill predictions. But the target zone was water-bearing. the company says.
“The lower portion of the well will be plugged and abandoned but the well bore will be utilized and sidetracked in the upper portion of the well to drill the ET-14H development well in the Main Fault Block of Etame, pending partner approval. Operations are expected to be completed in April 2026.
VAALCO has set a low bar for the wll, whien it announced the proposed drilling in early ebruary. “The exploration prospect has a 57% chance of geologic success”, the company had declared. “On a success, the exploration prospect would add meaningful production and reserves to VAALCO’s 2026 year-end”.
That’s no longer going to happen.
