Uchenna Izundu
International Editor
LONDON, Nov. 30 -- Ithaca Energy Inc. plans to drill a second appraisal well during the second quarter of 2007 in its Athena oil project in the Outer Moray Firth off Scotland.
It has signed a letter of intent with Peak Well Management to secure a semisubmersible rig.
Ithaca hopes to have the rig for 51 days with a 30-day option for a sidetrack. The appraisal well will assess the upside potential in Lower Cretaceous Upper and Lower Leek sandstones, which tested 1,300 b/d in the 14/18b-12 well, drilled in 1992.
In September, Ithaca, with partners EWE and Zeus Petroleum, drilled the first Athena well, 14/18b-15, which was suspended for future production after testing 1,330 b/d from the Upper Leek sandstone (OGJ Online, Oct. 24, 2006).
"This well has been evaluated by Ithaca and management believes it is capable of producing 5,000 b/d when placed on production with submersible pumps," Ithaca said.
Athena is expected to begin production in the first quarter of 2008. Ithaca holds a 70% interest in the project.
Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].
