Iona aims to wrap up North Sea Orlando well

March 12, 2012
Iona Energy hopes to complete well 3/3b-13 on the Orlando prospect in the UK North Sea by mid-month.

Offshore staff

ABERDEEN, UK Iona Energy hopes to complete well 3/3b-13 on the Orlando prospect in the UK North Sea by mid-month.

Technical issues caused drilling to be suspended; however repairs and fishing activity within the BOP have been successful.

The well is 50 ft (15 m) above the targeted Brent reservoir. Rig operator Awilco Offshore was preparing last week to re-start drilling, but first had to remove the BOP to perform integrity testing.

If the BOP does not pass the requirements, further suspension of drilling may be necessary. In that case, Iona plans to complete the well using an alternative drilling rig with a view to achievingfirst oil from Orlando in 2013.

3/12/2012