Offshore staff
LONDON — Deltic Energy expects to drill two exploration wells in the UK southern North Sea next year, both operated by partner Shell.
The first should spud in the third quarter on the Selene gas prospect in license P2437. Data acquired from a geophysical site survey this summer are supporting a geotechnical survey, which is due to start shortly. The aim in both cases is to ensure safe placement of the jackup rig at the well location.
A rig tendering process is underway, with procurement advancing of long-lead items for the well.
According to Deltic, Selene is one of the largest remaining unappraised structures in the Leman sandstone fairway in the region, with P50 prospective resources of 318 Bcf and a geological chance of success of 70%.
Earlier this year, the partnership discovered gas and oil while drilling the Zechstein carbonate Pensacola prospect in P2252, and they will likely sanction an appraisal well later this month.
Following site survey operations in the first part of next year and assuming regulatory approvals, drilling should start post-completion of the Selene well (using the same rig).
Deltic had sought an extension to two other UK North Sea license, P2567 and P2428, after partner Capricorn decided to withdraw. However, the North Sea Transition Authority vetoed an extension to P2567 leading to relinquishment at the end of last month.
The company may re-apply for it under the UK’s next licensing round. In the meantime, it continues to seek an alternative partner for P2428, the current phase of which is due to end on March 31, 2024.
12.05.2023
