Vermilion Energy and its partner INA have reported four successful commercial discoveries from four exploration wells drilled in Block SA-07 during 2024, located in the Sava region of the Pannonian Basin, onshore Croatia. The wells, Zbjegiovaca-1 Istok, Meduric-1 Istok, Gojlo-1J, and Piljenice-1, have shown promising results, with flows of 300 barrels of oil per day (bopd) plus 256 thousand cubic feet of gas per day (mcfgpd), 4.5 million cubic feet of gas per day (mmcfgpd), and 5.6 mmcfgpd, respectively. The Piljenice-1 well is currently under testing, with early indications pointing to a deeper and potentially more significant gas column.
The success of these discoveries is attributed to the application of modern 3D seismic technology, which identified Direct Hydrocarbon Indicators (DHIs) across multiple Middle Miocene to Pliocene reservoir targets. These reservoirs are located at modest depths in a structured basin with low risk for hydrocarbon source and migration. The traps vary from structural drapes over basement highs to stratigraphic pinch-outs and confined channel sandstones, with additional potential in Mesozoic to Palaeozoic basement traps.
Vermilion was awarded Block SA-07 in Croatia’s second onshore licensing round in 2019 as the operator with 100% equity. After acquiring 3D seismic data, the company farmed out 40% of its stake to INA, Croatia’s former state-owned company, in March 2024, just before drilling commenced. The discoveries are expected to be quickly integrated into existing infrastructure, following a similar pattern to Block SA-10, where Vermilion began gas production in 2024. This success highlights the potential of applying modern geoscience techniques to underinvested basins, turning exploration into commercial production efficiently.
