Noble Energy Mediterranean Ltd. and partners will batch-drill two production wells in the development of deepwater Leviathan gas field offshore Israel (OGJ Online, Mar. 2, 2017).
The partners had approved drilling of the Leviathan 5 appraisal well in December, stipulating that the well also could be a producer. They sanctioned development last month.
Partner Delek Group reports the group has decided to drill the Leviathan 7 appraisal and production well at the same time.
Drilling will begin after the Atwood Advantage drillship finishes work on the Tamar 8 production well in nearby Tamar gas field.
The rig will drill the Leviathan 7, about 120 km west of Haifa in 1,630 m of water, to 2,900 m below sea level (bsl). It then will move to the Leviathan 5 location about 130 km west of Haifa in 1,740 m of water.
After drilling Leviathan 5 to its target depth of 5,200 m bsl, the drillship will return to Leviathan 7 and drill to final depth of 5,100 m bsl.
Total drilling time is expected to be 7 months. Delek estimates drilling cost at $71 million.
The wells will be completed and connected to the production system later.