By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 11 -- Brooks Range Petroleum Corp. (BRPC), operator of an Alaskan North Slope joint venture led by TG World Corp., has signed contracts, separately, with Nabors Drilling Alaska and a unit of Michael Baker Corp. as part of its preparation for the Alaska 2006-07 drilling season.
The Nabors contract is for Rig 16E, a 2,000 hp Beam Leg Mast rig with a 24,000 ft depth rating, for drilling at least two wells in the Gwydyr Bay prospect area (see related story, OGJ Online, Sept. 11, 2006).
Routine maintenance work has begun on the rig, and permitting of surface access leases associated with the targeted drilling location is well under way, BRPC said.
Also, field operations, starting with the construction of an ice road to the drilling sites, are expected to begin as early as Dec. 15 or as late as Jan. 7, 2007, depending upon weather conditions.
On Aug. 14 BRPC signed a contract with Baker Energy for exploration and development support services.
Under terms of the contract, the development services are dependent on whether there are any ANS oil discoveries. The JV intends to tie-in a discovery and start production in the following winter season, to coincide with Kerr-McGee Corp.'s Ataruq field plan.
For the 2006-07 exploration activities, Baker Energy is providing early logistical support in obtaining permits for ice road and drilling sites and is working to complete an health, safety, and environment plan for the field operations. It is also providing logistical and purchasing support for third-party services and materials.
