On July 18, the electrical submersible pump (ESP) in the South Tchibala 2-H well failed, resulting in the well being temporarily shut-in
The well was producing approximately 1,300 barrels of oil per day gross, or 390 net to the Company, prior to being shut-in.
VAALCO is working to mobilise a hydraulic workover unit to move onto the Avouma platform and replace the ESP system in the well, which is expected to be back on production by fourth quarter 2017.
The company successfully utilised a hydraulic unit to replace the ESP in the well late last year at a significantly lower cost rather than mobilising a jackup rig. As a result of recent diagnostic work, the Company believes it has determined the cause of the ESP failures in 2016, in this well, and a newly designed pair of ESPs will be installed in the South Tchibala 2-H well during the upcoming workover operation.
VAALCO also recently completed its planned 2017 maintenance turnaround for the Etame Marin FPSO and four platforms. The entire work scope was successfully completed with no environmental or safety issues.
The field was shut-in during the turnaround and is now back on production. The results of the maintenance and inspection work confirmed the Company's asset integrity programs continue to be effective. The next turnaround will be in 2018.
The Company does not plan to change its annual production guidance at this time as a result of the shut-ins due to the ESP failure or the annual maintenance turnaround.
