Eni gets clearance to drill offshore Alaska

Nov. 30, 2017
The US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has authorized Eni to drill an exploration well in the Beaufort Sea.

Offshore staff

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has authorized Eni to drill an exploration well in the Beaufort Sea.

The prospect is in federal waters bordering theEni-operated Nikaitchuq field which lies in state territory and started production in 2011. The exploration area is Harrison Bay block 6423.

Under a program approved in July by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Eni plans a total of four exploration wells, comprising two extended-reach main bores and two side tracks, all to be drilled during the winter months through early 2019.

Drilling would extend 6 mi (10 km), and would employ a modified rig operated by Doyon Drilling.

According to Arctic Now, Eni plans to drill the well from an existing man-made island roughly 3 mi (4.8 km) offshore and used for Naikaitchuq. The permit allows operations to start on Dec. 15.

The BSEE added that it had performed a comprehensive review of Eni’s well design, procedures, and safety measures prior to issuing the drilling permit.

11/30/2017