Offshore staff

EDINBURGH, UK – Cairn Energy says the first phase of its exploration campaign offshore Greenland proved positive, although none of the eight wells drilled to date has led to a discovery.

The company claims that all geological ingredients necessary for success are present. This spring, processing of 3D seismic data acquired last year will be completed, with early interpreted results expected in the summer.

Cairn acquired 1,500 sq km (579 sq mi) of 3D data over part of its Pitu block in Baffin Bay, which Statoil farmed into yesterday. Analysis of a seabed sampling program also acquired on the acreage last year has confirmed new geochemical anomalies above prospective areas identified on earlier 2D seismic, and Cairn says these anomalies are related to micro-seepages of oil.

A further 1,500 sq km of 3D data were compiled over parts of southern Greenland. Cairn is considering more seismic acquisition in the region and a resumption of drilling at some point in the west Greenland basins.

01/24/2012