Offshore staff
LONDON – ATP Oil and Gas UK has secured the Transocean semisubmersible Arctic III for an appraisal well next year on the Skipper oil field in the UK northern North Sea.
The company operates surrounding block 9/21a, southeast of the Shetland Islands, in partnership with Independent Oil and Gas (IOG).
Unocal discovered Skipper in 1990. Mechanical issues prevented a flow test at the time. According to IOG, the aim of the appraisal well is to obtain a better sample and observe flow characteristics.
A secondary objective is to test the deeper Maureen and Dornoch exploration targets. A recent report by AGR Tracs estimated mid-case contingent resources of 25.8 MMbbl.
The well should spud during the first half of 2013. The well slot is part of a long-term contract entered into by ATP for theCheviot field development in the same sector. This allows certain third parties to use rig slots at a discount to prevailing market rates, with the Skipper well benefiting from a greater discount.
8/1/2012
