US-based explorer Noble Energy has lined up a string of prospects in the Falklands with prospective resources totaling up to 1.6 billion barrels of oil.
The firm has been assessing 2D seismic and new 3D datasets in the south and east Falkland basin, with a view to selecting its 2015 drilling locations. Particular focus has been in the Diomedea area, which, despite has finds on the Loligo and Scotia wells, is expected to be oil prone, says partner Falkland Oil & Gas (FOGL).
Meanwhile, fellow Falklands explorer Premier Oil has already lined up its exploration plans, focusing on the North Falkland basin, with the first well, on the Zebedee prospect, due to start in Q1 2015. Both firms will use the same rig, the Eirik Raude semisubmersible (pictured).
Prospects identified by Noble in the Diomedea area, says FOGL, are (with mid case gross prospective resources based on FOGL management estimates):
In the Cretaceous fault block area to the south, two further prospects have been identified:
FOGL said it is likely the first well to be drilled will be on the Humpback prospect, with the selection of the second well guided by the results of the first well. Edison International is also a partner with Noble on its Falklands campaign.
In the North Falkland basin, Premier Oil has already lined up its drilling locations for a 2015 campaign, expected to start in Q1 2015. Well locations have been agreed for each of the following prospects, in the following order, said FOGL, which is also a partner with Premier Oil:
The Eirik Raude, operated by Ocean Rig, was contracted for both drilling campaigns. A rig and cost share agreement was agreed with Noble Energy, who will operate two wells in the South Falkland Basin where FOGL retains a 52.5% equity position.
The remaining four wells in the North Falkland Basin will be operated by Premier and FOGL will participate in three of these wells with a fully carried position in two of them.
In addition, there are eight options which can be exercised prior to the rig being mobilized and up to eight further options that can be exercised during the drilling campaign.
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