Crescent Petroleum was the concession holder under a Production Sharing Agreement from January 1991 in Yemen in Block 2 and Block 9, each of 4,000 sq. km.
The company was the Lead Partner in this important exploration and production play for its group, including British Gas, Louisiana Land and Exploration Inc., Clyde Petroleum, Itochu Corporation, and Inpex (Indonesia Petroleum Limited). Crescent Petroleum was the operator for Blocks 2 and 9; subsequently, Block 9 operatorship was transferred to British Gas.
On Block 2, Crescent Petroleum reviewed base maps, mobilised seismic teams, carried out vibroseis (1,600 km) and helicopter portable (400 km) seismic work; also seismic processing and interpretation; surface geological surveys; planned wells and material procurement; built access roads to four sites at remote locations and mobilised the required rig and camp facilities, including provision of water wells. This work was spread over four years with the drilling of four wells. The venture required a field operations office, a drilling materials warehouse, and an in-country head office in Sana’a. Western Atlas and COG were used by Crescent Petroleum to carry out the seismic data acquisition in difficult local conditions and in remote terrain.
In total across both blocks, seven wells were drilled in remote country requiring a major logistical effort. The company’s knowledge of local culture and use of its local relationships enabled the consortium to carry out the operation, which other international companies found difficult to manage. Shows of hydrocarbons were found, and certain wells tested oil.
Concessions were handed back to the Government of Yemen after completion of the work program.