OREANDA-NEWS. Gazprom Neft has begun drilling an exploration well at the Shakal block in Kurdistan (Iraq) and is soon to commence drilling on a second exploration well. The project will study two oil reservoirs in the Shakal block including flow testing. Well testing will be completed by late 2014 / early 2015.

Grey Wolf (Canada) has been appointed as contractor for the project based on the company's extensive experience in the region. The wells will have a depth of up to 3.5km. Earlier, 2D seismic surveys have been conducted covering an area of more than 1,000 linear kilometres at the Shakal block, where an exploration well has also been drilled. 3D seismic surveys covering 290 square kilometres have also been conducted since Gazprom Neft joined the project.

Gazprom Neft is involved in three projects in Iraqi Kurdistan. In addition to its operations on the Shakal block, the company is conducting geological surveys of the Halabja block where it is planning 2D seismic surveys covering 1,000 linear kilometres in 2014, and drilling the block's first exploration well in 2015-2016. Gazprom Neft is also involved in the development of the Garmian block where the deposit is currently undergoing further exploration and preparation for full scale development. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is currently considering the initial field development plan.