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    1. Drilling & Completion

    Rig lined up for initial Ironbark well offshore Australia

    Feb. 13, 2019
    BP has contracted the Diamond Offshore semisubmersible Ocean Apex to drill the potentially giant gas prospect Ironbark offshore Western Australia.
    Ironbark prospect in exploration permit WA-359-P in the Carnarvon basin offshore Western Australia
    Ironbark prospect in exploration permit WA-359-P in the Carnarvon basin offshore Western Australia

    Offshore staff

    MELBOURNE, Australia – BP has contracted the Diamond Offshore semisubmersible Ocean Apex to drill the potentially giant gas prospect Ironbark offshore Western Australia.

    Ironbark is in exploration permit WA-359-P in the Carnarvon basin.

    Matthew Boyall, CEO of BP’s partnerCue Energy, estimated resources at up to 15 tcf.

    “Securing theOcean Apex sets a clear path for drilling,” he added. “The rig contract, escrow funding, and shareholder approval for New Zealand Oil & Gas to farm in have all been satisfied.

    “NOPTA approval of an extension to the permit term to allow the well to be drilled is a remaining condition and Cue expects to submit an application soon.”

    TheIronbark-1 well, with an expected depth of 5,500 m (18.044 ft), should get under way in late 2020 following completion of the rig’s other commitments.

    BP has started environmental planning activities for a site survey of the well location and the drilling activities.

    02/13/2019