(Ecofin Agency) - ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Liberia, an affiliate of ExxonMobil, on Wednesday announced that it has commenced the drilling of its first well, the Mesurado-1, off the coast of Liberia. The company is working on developing the Mesurado-1 exploration well together with joint venture partner, Canadian Overseas Petroleum Ltd using the Seadrill’s 2014-built drillship West Saturn.

This Mesurado-1 well located about 50 miles offshore Liberia in Block LB-13 in about 2500 meters of water, is the first well operated by ExxonMobil offshore Liberia. The well is expected to provide calibration for the seismic response which can be used to assess other leads on the block. Drilling operations were initially scheduled for 2014, but the company was mandated to suspend its drilling plans due to Ebola outbreak in the country. ExxonMobil announced its intention to continue with its drilling plans off Liberia in October this year after the end of the outbreak.

ExxonMobil secured an 80% stake in LB-13 from Canadian Overseas Petroleum in 2013 and later increased it to 83%. The remaining 17% is being held by Canadian Overseas Petroleum’s 100% owned subsidiary, Canadian Overseas Petroleum (Bermuda) Limited.

Anita Fatunji