Transocean– Offshore.jpg” />Statoil and license partners have decided to use the Transocean Spitsbergen semi-submersible rig on three exploration wells in offshore UK and a six-well production drilling campaign on the Aasta Hansteen licence in Norway.
Scheduled to start later this year, the UK exploration campaign will be conducted on Mariner, Jock Scott and Verbier licenses.
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Transocean has been contracted for $18m for this campaign that includes integrated drilling services such as fuel, casing running, ROV, slop treatment and cuttings handling.
Exploration UK vice-president Jenny Morris said: “Securing this rig will enable us to fulfil our exploration ambitions of testing potential along the underexplored margins and more mature areas of the basin, in addition to near-field potential at Mariner.
“This year will see our most active exploration campaign for Statoil in the UK since repositioning in 2011 and we look forward to testing our three diverse prospects.”
Statoil owns 65.1%, 75% and 70% stakes at the Mariner, Jock Scott and Verbier, respectively
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By GlobalDataThe Aasta Hansteen drilling campaign is planned to start at the end of this year or the beginning of next year.
The $95m contract with Transocean includes drilling of six fixed wells.
The contract will comprise integrated drilling services such as fuel, casing running, ROV, slop treatment and cuttings handling along with mobilisation, demobilisation and modification costs.
Drilling & Well senior vice-president Geir Tungesvik said: “We have had good experiences with Transocean Spitsbergen, which has delivered safe and efficient operations for us on the Norwegian Continental Shelf earlier.
“It is an all-round rig, which is winterised, can drill on deep water and can both be anchored or on dynamic positioning. It has a dual derrick, which is a positive contribution to efficient operations.”
Found in 1997, the Aasta Hansteen discovery includes three discoveries, namely Luva, Haklang and Snefrid South.
The resources are expected to host recoverable reserves of 47 billion standard cubic metres of gas.
Statoil owns a 51% stake in Aasta Hansteen. The remaining ownership is held by Wintershall Norge (24%), OMV Norge (15%) and ConocoPhillips Skandinavia (10%).
Image: Transocean Spitsbergen drilling rig. Photo: courtesy of Statoil.
