Black Sea partnership to drill West Ayazli

Aug. 28, 2009
The partners in the phased South Akcakoca development in the Turkish Black Sea will drill the nearby West Ayazli prospect next month, using the jackup Saturn.

Offshore staff

CALGARY, Canada -- The partners in the phased South Akcakoca development in the Turkish Black Sea will drill the nearby West Ayazli prospect next month, using the jackup Saturn.

According to Stratic Energy, the well - targeting a Cretaceous interval – is expected to encounter gas in the Kusuri formation. It is therefore being designed for subsequent tieback to the Ayazli platform. The partners have budgeted $23.1 million for the drilling program, which includes production equipment but not tie-in costs.

South Akcakoca Phase 1 involved developing the Akkaya, Ayazli, and East Ayazli fields. Production improved last month following measures to increase chokes on the wells. Various perforations on the East Ayazli wells have also provided short-term boosts throughout the year.

Phase 2 is currently well advanced, with fabrication of a jacket and deck for a new platform under way. Stratic anticipates float-out and installation offshore next summer, including a pipeline tie-in to the existing export system. First gas is due in fall 2010.

08/28/2009