Offshore staff
PERTH, Western Australia -- Tap Oil Ltd. says it will take about a week to test the production of Maitland 3-H appraisal well in permit WA-33-R offshore Western Australia. Drilling was interrupted by the influx of water, the company says.
Maitland-3H is a horizontal side track drilled from the Maitland-2 location in the Barrow sub-basin, 40 km (25 mi) northwest of Barrow Island and 5 km (3 mi) southeast of the John Brookes field.
Testing operations of Maitland-3H had re-commenced following remedial work to address problems associated with water influx. A stabilized production rate has not been established. The production test, including buildup period, is expected to take approximately one week, after which the well will be plugged and abandoned as planned.
Tap says the flow of gas to surface has confirmed the extent of the Maitland field. Initial flow performance is within expectations at this stage. Production test results will be used to establish development production rates for the field.
10/15/2007
