Offshore staff
TEL AVIV, Israel – The Ensco 5006 rig has completed sealing of the deepwater Leviathan 2 appraisal well offshore Israel, halting the flow of water.
Over the next year, operator Noble Energy Mediterranean plans monitoring activities to evaluate the sealing efficiency and the need for any additional actions prior to final abandonment of the well.
According to partner Delek Group, Noble estimates the cost of this program (including standby expenses of the rig) at about $85 million. Delek stresses that the partners are covered by insurance for the sealing work.
Over the next few days, Noble expects to spud the Leviathan #4 appraisal well with drilling due to last about four months at an estimated cost of $110 million.
This well will likely be kept for production drilling in a future development of the field. Planned final drilling depth is roughly 5,300 m (17,388 ft) below sea level.
11/12/2012
