However, the Hercules 1 gas exploration well that spudded in mid-September 2025, targeting the Waarre reservoir, was unsuccessful. This well too has since been P&A’d.
Transocean Equinox has since transferred to the Bass Basin for P&A of the White Ibis 1 well. Upon completion, the rig will transfer to another operator before resuming activity for Beach Energy in the second half of next year.
The planned program includes drilling and completion of the La Bella 2 development well, completing the Artisan discovery, a well intervention at Thylacine, and abandonment of the Trefoil 1 and Yolla 1 wells in the Bass basin.
Wood Mackenzie analysts told Offshore there is potential for new exploration activities offshore Indonesia and that year-round shortages of gas in Australia will become increasingly...
Jeremy Beckman has been Editor Europe, Offshore since 1992. Prior to joining Offshore he was a freelance journalist for eight years, working for a variety of electronics, computing and scientific journals in the UK. He regularly writes news columns on trends and events both in the NW Europe offshore region and globally. He also writes features on developments and technology in exploration and production.
