Erne well to probe for Tay oil

Offshore staff

CALGARY, Canada – Exploration drilling has started on the Antrim Energy-operated Erne prospect in the UK central North Sea.

Erne is an Eocene Tay formation oil prospect in block 21/29d between the Fyne and Northwest Guillemot fields. The semisub Wilphoenix is drilling the well 6 km (3.7 mi) northeast of the 21/28a-10z well in the Fyne field, which tested at oil up to 4,000 b/d from the Tay formation.

Premier Oil UK acquired a 50% interest in the Erne license by agreeing to contribute a promoted share of the drilling costs. AGR Well Management is responsible for the drilling operation.

Although the well will not be tested, the partners may opt to drill a side track after evaluating the initial results.

Drilling should take around 23 days, after which, the rig will transfer to block 21/28b to spud the Carra prospect exploration well, 4 km (2.5 mi) southeast of Fyne.

In addition, Antrim and its partners plan to drill an appraisal well on Fyne field before the end of the year.

11/18/2011