Drilling has started at the Domino-2 appraisal well in the deepwater sector of the Neptun Block offshore Romania in the Black Sea, says OMV Petrom.
OMV Petrom is a partner on the block with ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania. It said data collected during the drilling program will be used to assess the size and commercial viability of the gas field discovered by the Domino-1 exploration well in 2012.
Domino-2 is about 200km offshore and is being drilled from the Ocean Endeavor semisubmersible drilling rig in about 800m water depth.
"If the discovery proves to be commercially viable, ExxonMobil would leverage its global deepwater experience and project execution expertise to ensure safe, environmentally responsible, and timely resource development", said John Knapp, managing director of ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania.
OMV said the successful progress of the Neptun Deep Block would encourage positive economic and social benefits through the development of the offshore sector, local infrastructure, employment opportunities, and advanced technology application.
ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania and OMV Petrom each hold 50% of the deepwater sector of the Neptun Block.
In 2012, ExxonMobil announced a 3tcf discovery at Domino-1.