Sèmè Field Production Well development received a quiet but meaningful boost this week after the successful completion of a new offshore production well in Benin. Akrake Petroleum Benin S.A., an indirect subsidiary of Rex International Holding Limited, has completed drilling of the AK-2H horizontal well, marking a key step toward renewed offshore output.
The update, announced on 3 February 2026, confirms steady progress not only at the well level but also across the broader offshore production system supporting the Sèmè Field Production Well.
Sèmè Field Production Well Confirms Drilling and Reservoir Success
Drilling operations achieved a total horizontal length of 1,405 metres through the reservoir section. Of this, approximately 950 metres intersected oil-saturated sandstone within the Abeokuta Formation, a Cretaceous-age reservoir informally known as H6. Importantly, no water-bearing sands were encountered during drilling, reducing early production risk and strengthening the well’s long-term performance outlook.
The well was geo-steered using advanced Logging While Drilling tools to ensure it remained within oil-bearing reservoir zones throughout the horizontal section. This approach limited exposure to non-reservoir shale and ensured consistent reservoir contact, reflecting a measured and technically disciplined drilling strategy.
Reservoir characteristics recorded during drilling align closely with expectations. Average porosity exceeds 19 percent, while oil saturation averages above 70 percent. Together, these indicators confirm a commercially viable reservoir capable of supporting sustained production when combined with appropriate artificial lift and completion systems.
Sèmè Field Production Well Advances with ESP and Smart Completion Systems
Completion activities are now advancing, with the reservoir section fitted with sand control screens and autonomous inflow control valves. These systems are designed to prevent sand ingress while automatically restricting inflow from zones that may begin producing water over time. The result is a more stable production profile, reduced intervention requirements, and improved recovery across the life of the well.
Above the completion assembly, a downhole Electrical Submersible Pump is currently being installed. ESP systems remain a preferred artificial lift solution for offshore horizontal wells due to their ability to deliver high-volume lift, maintain stable drawdown, and support efficient production under variable reservoir conditions. For the pumps and rotating equipment sector, the Sèmè Field Production Well reinforces the continued relevance of ESP technology in offshore West African developments.
Sèmè Field Production Well Nears Offshore Facility Integration
Progress is also being made on surface infrastructure. Final hook-up works are ongoing between the mobile offshore production unit and the floating storage and offloading vessel. Once integrated, these facilities will enable offshore processing, storage, and export of produced hydrocarbons, reducing dependence on onshore infrastructure and allowing flexible production ramp-up.
While the announcement stops short of providing production rates or timelines, the technical fundamentals are clear. A water-free horizontal well, strong reservoir properties, intelligent completion systems, and ESP artificial lift together form a solid foundation for stable offshore production.
Sèmè Field Production Well Signals Wider Impact for West Africa
For Benin, the Sèmè Field Production Well represents more than a single drilling success. It signals renewed confidence in offshore development and demonstrates that smaller offshore producers can advance projects through precision, technology, and disciplined execution rather than scale alone.
For the wider West African offshore sector, the project reflects a broader shift toward smarter wells and self-regulating production systems, where efficiency and longevity take priority. For the pumps industry, it confirms ongoing demand for reliable ESP solutions and intelligent flow-control technologies capable of operating in challenging offshore environments, while meeting rising expectations on uptime and lifecycle performance.
Further operational and production updates are expected in the coming months as completion and hook-up activities progress toward full integration. Until then, the Sèmè Field Production Well stands as a technically sound and strategically important step in Benin’s offshore energy journey, reinforcing confidence among investors, contractors, and regional energy planners alike.
