Production begins from Bohai Bay wells

Offshore staff

SYDNEY -- Production has begun from the first wells in the Zhao Dong block, Bohai Bay, offshore China, according to Roc Oil (Bohai). Total gross production from the Zhao Dong block is currently approximately 21,500 b/d of oil.

The C-51 well in the Extended Reach Area (ERA) of the C and D oil fields began production on March 20 and is currently producing at a rate of approximately 1,000 b/d of oil. A second production well, C-52, started production on March 29 and is currently producing at just over 2,000 b/d of oil. The third production well, D-43, was turned over to operations on April 3. Following completion of D-43, one further production well will be drilled and two well workovers are planned, the company says.

A 12-well drilling program is then planned in the C and D oil fields. The number of wells planned to be drilled at Zhao Dong is lower than 2008, and is focused on drilling higher yielding reservoir targets within the existing fields. The drilling program aims to maintain the average production rate for the year at close to that achieved in 2008 (gross rate of 18,050 b/d of oil), the company says.

Commissioning of ODB, the second drilling platform installed at Zhao Dong during 2008, is progressing on schedule, the company says. The construction and fabrication of OPB, the second processing platform to be located at Zhao Dong, continues with installation and commissioning scheduled to be completed during the second half of the year.

04/09/2009