Chariot Limited, a British energy company, has made significant progress in its Anchois-3 well, part of the Lixus Offshore gas project off Morocco’s coast. In a recent update, the company confirmed the discovery of gas reservoirs in the B sands, one of the primary appraisal targets of the ongoing drilling campaign. This development marks a crucial step in Chariot’s exploration activities and could have a substantial impact on Morocco’s growing energy sector.
Chariot, holding a 30% stake in the project alongside Energean (45%) and Morocco’s Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM) with a 25% share, has been closely monitoring the site. Preliminary findings from the Anchois-3 well have provided promising data, indicating the presence of gas reservoirs, though further analysis is required to fully assess their potential. The company continues to drill deeper into the formation, exploring additional targets beyond the current level.
The discovery is pivotal for Chariot's broader strategy in Morocco, as the Lixus license, which includes the Anchois gas field, has the potential to not only supply domestic energy needs but also provide export opportunities. This aligns with Morocco’s national strategy to develop its energy resources and reduce dependence on imports.
Additionally, with Europe seeking to diversify its energy sources in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions, projects like Anchois have garnered international interest for their potential to enhance regional energy security. Morocco’s favorable political stability and proximity to Europe further elevate the significance of this project.
Chariot also noted that while a pilot hole drilled earlier encountered water rather than gas in the Anchois Footwall reservoirs, the company quickly adapted by plugging and abandoning the pilot hole to focus on the main wellbore. The Anchois-3 well is now a critical part of ongoing efforts to evaluate the full potential of Morocco’s offshore gas reserves, positioning the country as an emerging player in the global energy market.