Sterling prepares Romanian offshore drilling line-up

May 24, 2012
Sterling Resources expects to drill its first exploratory wells later this year in the Black Sea offshore Romania.

Offshore staff

CALGARY, CanadaSterling Resources expects to drill its first exploratory wells later this year in the Black Sea offshore Romania.

First to be drilled is the Ioana prospect in the gas-prone Midia block, northeast of the undeveloped Ana and Doina discoveries. The jackup will then drill the Eugenia prospect in the Pelican block.

In March, Romania’s National Agency for Mineral Resources (NAMR) approved Sterling’s 40% interest in the 1,000-sq km (386-sq mi) block 27 (Muridava) concession. This was one of a number offshore permits awarded under the country’s 10th licensing round in June 2010, and ratified by the government last October.

Muridava is a shallow-water block adjacent to Pelican containing multiple exploration plays, and a discovery well drilled in 2001. Sterling will acquire 3D seismic this summer, and could start drilling in 2013.

5/24/2012