Offshore staff

GURGAON, India -- Production from the offshore Ravva field in Indian block PKGM-1 averaged 36,942 boe/d during the 2010-11 year, according to operator Cairn India.

The field completed its 16th year in service, and has yielded more than 232 MMbbl of crude and 278 bcf of gas to date, more than double initial expectations, Cairn claims.

To arrest production declines, the partners have performed a 4D seismic survey over the past year and an infill drilling/workover campaign.

Four infill wells have been completed so far, including one horizontal well to boost oil output. Currently one producer and two injectors are being drilled. The infill campaign should add incremental reserves, but also increase the field’s water injection capacity in the field. Initial production rates have been as prognosed.

Ravva’s first ever horizontal well was landed, drilled, completed and tested using a combination of sliding sleeve stand-alone screens, screens with ICDs, and swell packers to complete the entire oil pay with ICDs and an additional gas zone.

Also for the first time, Ravva oil production wells were completed as open hole with multi-zone selective stand-alone screens and swell packers.

Last June, Cairn India was awarded 100% of block MB-DWN-2009/1 in the Mumbai Offshore basin under the NELP VIII licensing round. It covers an area of 2,961 sq km (1,840 sq mi). Cairn is seeking environmental clearance for acquisition of a 2D survey early next year. A detailed regional technical study is in progress as part of the company’s west coast exploration strategy.

Offshore Sri Lanka, Cairn India subsidiary Cairn Lanka acquired 1,750 sq km of 3D seismic data in the frontier Mannar basin during 2009-10, fulfilling a minimum work commitment. Interpretation has revealed numerous prospects and leads, and work continues to in order to understand the petroleum system in the basin. A drillship should start exploration drilling in the license in August.

05/27/2011