Offshore staff
LONDON – Suncor Energy UK expects to drill an exploration well in late September/early October on the Romeo prospect in UK North Sea license P.1666, block 30/11c.
On completion, the rig should then drill the Scotney exploration well in license P.1658, block 20/5b.
Trapoil is a partner in both wells and in license P.1610, block 13/23a, operated by Dana Petroleum (BVUK). Here a well on the Magnolia prospect looks to be delayed until the fall due to timing issues. The semisubmersible Ocean Nomad is lined up for Magnolia and the Crazy Horse exploration well in license P.1650, block 14/13.
However, Crazy Horse operator Noreco wants to reschedule that well to the first half of 2013, and is in discussions with the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) over an extension of the license period. Trapoil has a 22% interest in Crazy Horse.
Later this year, Trapoil also expected to participate in wells on the Knockinnon and Burrigill prospects in license P.1270, block 11/24, both operated and wholly funded by Caithness Oil. However, environmental concerns related to an earlier seismic survey have caused drilling to be postponed. In addition, interpretation of new seismic data has prompted Caithness to opt for a well on the Forse prospect instead of Burrigill.
Trapoil understands that Caithness has applied for, and received from DECC, a formal extension of the relevant licenses to allow these wells to be deferred until 2013.
Excluding the three delayed wells, Trapoil anticipates participating in a further five UK wells next year.
The company has received approval to take on an initial 10% interest in the Athena oil field in the central UK North Sea from Dyas UK. Completion is conditional on approvals from Dyas’ partners’ and BW Offshore, contractor of theBW Athena FPSO.
Operator Ithaca Energy deliveredfirst oil from Athena in late May at an initial rate of 22,000 b/d. Last month, production fell back to 12,000 b/d due to start up issues affecting one of the four production wells.
7/24/2012
