ConocoPhillips Australia has ordered key drilling items for the Otway exploration program in 2025 offshore Victoria and Tasmania.
According to 3D Energi, one of the partners in the VIC/P79 and T/49P exploration permits, the orders include subsea wellheads and conductor pipes, casing and liners. Procurement should step up ahead of the two firm exploration wells in 2025, pending regulatory approval.
However, final selection of well locations has yet to be confirmed, and it will be based on the completion of ongoing 3D seismic interpretation studies in the two permits.
The joint venture signed a two-well drilling contract as part of the 2025 exploration drilling program (Phase 1), with an additional 120 days of optional drilling (Phase 2). The contracted semisub Transocean Equinox recently mobilized to Australia for a five-well drilling contract and should arrive in the Otway area during first-quarter 2025.
The drilling environmental plan is under review by NOPSEMA (National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority).
Currently the partners propose seabed surveys and drilling of up to six exploration wells in the permits, which are offshore Victoria and King Island, Tasmania.
