Israeli deepwater well to be abandoned

Sept. 4, 2012
Noble Energy plans to shut in and abandon the deepwater Leviathan 2 appraisal well offshore Israel, according to partner Delek Group.

Offshore staff

TEL AVIV, Israel – Noble Energy plans to shut in and abandon the deepwater Leviathan 2 appraisal well offshore Israel, according to partner Delek Group.

This follows discussions with consultants and the Israeli Department of Energy and Water.

TheEnsco 5006 will shortly start the drilling operation, which should last for around two months at an estimated cost of $46.6 million.

Due to the complexity and uniqueness of the proposed plan, this figure might change, Delek says.

However, the Leviathan partners are covered by “control of well” insurance that includes expenses for re-drilling, sealing, and abandonment operations. To date they have received a refund from the insurance companies of around $53 million.

According to Noble, water produced by the drilling operation should not cause environmental damage, Delek adds.

9/4/2012