Pre-lay mooring operations have started for the ConocoPhillips-operated Essington-1 exploration well in the Otway Basin offshore Victoria, ahead of the arrival of the Transocean Equinox semisubmersible drilling rig.
Essington partner 3D Energi expects drilling to start in mid-October, subject to weather and operating conditions, as part of Phase 1 of the Otway Exploration Drilling Program.
Anchors and mooring chains will also be deployed at the Charlemont-1 well location in the offshore VIC/P79 permit; here, drilling is set to begin between November and December.
All regulatory approvals have come through from NOPSEMA, Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority, including the environment plan.
In mid-September, South Korean state oil company KNOC completed a farm-in deal with ConocoPhillips, gaining a 29% interest in VIC/P79 and the T/49P offshore exploration permit.
ConocoPhillips retains a 51% controlling interest, and 3D Energi holds 20%.
