Conoco well off Vietnam flows at 17,800 bpd


HOUSTON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Conoco Inc. (NYSE:COCa - news), said Wednesday an exploratory well offshore Vietnam in the Cuu Long Basin achieved a flow rate of 17,800 barrels per day (bpd).

This rate at Block 15-1, which is 120 miles (180 km) southeast of Ho Chi Minh city, is based on combined well tests of more than 12,600 bpd from three zones and an additional estimated 5,200 bpd from three other zones, said Conoco, a 23.25 percent stakeholder in the block.

An appraisal well and second exploratory well will be drilled on the block in the first quarter of 2001 to confirm the potential of the acreage, the company said.

Conoco, which holds a 23.25 percent stake in the block and has other energy interests in Vietnam, also plans exploratory drilling on several other offshore Vietnam blocks next year.