Ophir drilling more wells, adding platform at Bualuang offshore Thailand
Offshore staff
LONDON – Ophir Energy has committed to a fourth phase of development of the Bualuang oil field in the Gulf of Thailand, with a projected investment of $145 million between now and 2020.
The company plans to install a new 12-slot bridge-linked wellhead structure with additional power generation facilities; to drill up to 14 wells; and to expand water disposal capacity on the Bualuang Bravo platform.
ERC Equipoise, Ophir’s reserves auditors, expect the program to convert 9.2 MMbbl of contingent resources to reserves, with first oil expected during the second half of 2018.
Currently the Vantage Drilling jackupTopaz Driller is on location at Bualuang and has started an infill drilling campaign.
This comprises two development wells and another well, targeting untested prospective resources in a near-field step-out location. Estimated cost us roughly $12 million.
Ophir will accommodate the targets through abandoned well stock – if successful they should collectively increase production by around 1,400 b/d.
Production from the field so far this year has averaged 8,100 b/d.
05/18/2017
