Springfield Exploration and Production (Springfield), a Ghanaian-owned independent energy company, has reached a significant milestone in its offshore oil and gas operations.

The company recently announced the successful completion of appraisal tests at its Afina-1x well, located offshore Ghana. These tests confirmed substantial hydrocarbon reserves, marking a groundbreaking achievement for Springfield as the first independent African company to operate and discover hydrocarbons in deep-water assets. In a statement, Kevin Okyere, CEO of Springfield, expressed his enthusiasm for the achievement.

“We are extremely happy with the results of the appraisal program, which has further confirmed our understanding of our geological, geophysical, and reservoir models.
“Afina-1x is a vertical well; we are confident that a horizontal well or other well completion options that maximise reservoir exposure in the fields would deliver much higher production rates. This provides an incredible platform for reaffirming commercial development options for the Cenomanian and Turonian reservoirs.”
Kevin Okyere, CEO of Springfield

The appraisal well, Afina-1x, is situated in 1,030 metres of water and was drilled to a total depth of 4,085 metres. The tests yielded impressive results, demonstrating the well’s potential to significantly enhance Ghana’s position in the West African energy landscape.

Flow rates from the Cenomanian sandstone reservoir, the primary target, reached up to 4,500 barrels of oil per day (bopd).

Meanwhile, a mini-drill stem test on the secondary Turonian sandstone indicated flow rates as high as 12,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd). This finding underscores the Turonian reservoir’s potential for commercial development.

The appraisal test also provided critical insights into reservoir behavior. Pressure analysis revealed production-related depletion in the Cenomanian reservoir since the initial discovery in 2019, while pressures in the Turonian reservoir remained stable.

Such data are crucial for determining the field’s future development strategy, particularly the use of horizontal wells to maximize production rates.

Springfield made its initial discovery at the Afina-1x well in October 2019, doubling its contingent resources to 1.5 billion barrels of oil and adding nearly one trillion cubic feet of gas to its portfolio.

The latest appraisal tests have further solidified the commercial viability of the field, providing a solid foundation for Springfield to move forward with development.

The appraisal well encountered light oil in high-quality Cenomanian sandstones, with a gross thickness of 65 metres, including 50 metres of net oil pay.

In addition, the Turonian formation at the structure’s edge revealed 10 metres of hydrocarbon-bearing sands with a mix of gas and condensate.

Showcasing African Offshore Energy Potential

The appraisal operation was executed with precision and efficiency, utilizing the Deepsea Bollsta rig, owned by Northern Ocean. The drilling campaign was completed safely and on schedule, with the rig released on November 22, 2024.

Springfield highlighted the operational success as a testament to its growing expertise in managing complex offshore projects.

Kevin Okyere praised the efforts of the Springfield team, the Deepsea Bollsta crew, and other service partners for their contributions to the successful operation:

“This achievement underscores our dedication to pioneering advancements in Ghana’s energy sector.
“We are proud to have conducted this activity safely and efficiently, further demonstrating our ability to deliver results in challenging offshore environments.”
Kevin Okyere, CEO of Springfield

The successful appraisal of the Afina discovery is not only a triumph for Springfield but also a significant step forward for African energy independence.

As the first independent African operator to discover hydrocarbons in deep-water assets, Springfield’s success showcases the potential of local companies to drive the continent’s energy ambitions.

The milestone comes at a critical time when African nations are seeking to maximize the value of their natural resources while navigating the global transition toward cleaner energy sources.

Springfield’s achievement highlights the importance of leveraging indigenous expertise and innovation to develop Africa’s hydrocarbon reserves responsibly and sustainably.

The company’s journey from its initial discovery in 2019 to this latest breakthrough reflects a commitment to excellence that could have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s energy future and Africa’s broader energy independence.

Springfield’s success story is a testament to the potential of African ingenuity and resilience, reinforcing the continent’s role as a key player in the global energy landscape.