Offshore staff

LONDON -- The semisubmersible Byford Dolphin is preparing to spud the 16/2-5 Cairngorm appraisal well in the North Sea, according to Stratic Energy.

This is Stratic's first operated well. The primary target is to appraise multiple fractures in the granite reservoir, along with several exploration prospects as secondary objectives.

Meanwhile, in the Quad 15 blocks, operator Nippon and Stratic Energy are progressing with plans to drill two wells in 2009. The first well will be the Bowmore Jurassic appraisal well, which will test the joint venture's geological model of a deeper condensate and water contact and a thickening sand section down-dip. If proven, this could significantly increase the existing level of discovered resource, the company says.

The second well will be a Paleocene exploration well. Preliminary well locations have been agreed and the site surveys conducted for both wells, although no rig has yet been contracted for the drilling, the company says.

11/20/2008