ConocoPhillips lines up Transocean rig for offshore Otway Basin drilling

July 12, 2023
ConocoPhillips Australia has issued a letter of award for the Transocean Equinox semisub to drill exploration wells on the VIC/P79 and T/49P permits in the Otway Basin offshore Australia.

Offshore staff

MELBOURNE, Australia  ConocoPhillips Australia has issued a letter of award for the Transocean Equinox harsh environment semisub to drill exploration wells on the VIC/P79 and T/49P permits in the Otway Basin offshore southeast Australia.

According to partner 3D Oil, the rig will drill two firm wells with options for a further 120 days of drilling. Timing of the program will depend on rig availability; currently the rig is due to arrive on location in first-quarter 2025.

ConocoPhillips Australia has now started preparing an environment plan (EP) to secure approval from NOPSEMA for the campaign, which involves seabed surveys and up to six exploration wells in the permits offshore Victoria and King Island, Tasmania.

The latest finish date for the drilling campaign, as proposed in the EP, is Dec. 31, 2028.

07.12.2023