Rockhopper Exploration has agreed to take the semisubmersible drilling rig Ocean Guardian for at least two more wells in the North Falkland basin, with options for further slots.
Offshore staff
PORT STANLEY, Falkland Islands -- Rockhopper Exploration has agreed to take the semisubmersible drilling rig Ocean Guardian for at least two more wells in the North Falkland basin, with options for further slots.
The company is currently in discussions with the Falkland Islands government concerning the declaration of a Discovery Area that would likely take in the southern lobe of the Sea Lion fan. Here the Ocean Guardian drilled the 14/10-2 Sea Lion discovery well for Rockhopper earlier in 2010.
Rockhopper’s expects to spud the 14/10-3 well during January to explore the northern lobe of the Sea Lion fan system outside of the proposed Discovery Area, and around 8 km (4.97 mi) from the Sea Lion discovery well. The well will also target deeper sands, including S2, a newly-identified reservoir feeder system with a total area mapped presently at 42 sq km (16.2 sq mi). It will be drilled downdip to the main part of the S2 fan, which is mapped on existing 3D seismic, and is contained entirely within Rockhopper-held acreage.
Next the company plans to drill 14/10-4 as an appraisal well on the southern lobe of the Sea Lion fan system, but timing depends on the order of drilling slots yet to be allocated.
Rockhopper adds that it has identified other potential drilling locations which would involve a combination of appraisal and exploration wells.
