Production test in Cyprus at block 12 not completed due to mechanical complications

Production test in Cyprus` offshore block 12 which started Thursday could not be completed due to "mechanical complications", Cyprus Ministry of Energy announced, adding that the procedure will continue in the next days according to schedule.

"The process of production test at the well has started today (Thursday). The works involving flow and flaring of produced natural gas could not be completed due to mechanical complications and will continue in the next days according to schedule", the release said.

The Ministry also noted that after the conclusion of the production test, the rig ENSCO 5006 will commence the process of sealing the well and will depart from block 12.

According to the Ministry, the production test will assist the measurement of a well`s production capacity, its permeability, the natural gas formation as well as other technical features of the well.

The provisional results of the appraisal well which began on June 7 are expected to be announced by the end of September.

Exploratory drilling carried by Huston-based Noble Energy in 2011 revealed a gross natural mean raging from 5 to 7 trillion cubic feet (tcf).

Noble Energy operates Block 12 with a 70 percent working interest. Delek Drilling Limited Partnership and Avner Oil Exploration Limited Partnership each own 15 percent. On June 26, 2013, Cyprus government, Delek and Avner signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with regard to the construction of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in the Cyprus.