Neptune lets drilling contract for Norwegian North Sea wells

March 19, 2019
Neptune Energy Norge AS has let a drilling contract to CIMC Offshore AS to drill six wells in the Norwegian North Sea using the newbuild Beacon Atlantic semisubmersible rig, which will be managed by Odfjell Drilling AS.

Neptune Energy Norge AS has let a drilling contract to CIMC Offshore AS to drill six wells in the Norwegian North Sea using the newbuild Beacon Atlantic semisubmersible rig, which will be managed by Odfjell Drilling AS.

Designed for harsh environments, the Beacon Atlantic semi will drill three development wells in Duva field (formerly Cara) starting late this year. In addition, it might drill another three development wells in Gjoa field’s P1 segment. Duva field is 6 km northeast of Gjoa field.

Neptune Energy Norge has options to use the rig for additional development or exploration wells.

Odin Estensen, Neptune Energy managing director, said, Neptune Energy is “on track to develop the Duva and Gjoa P1 fields, both of which are key growth assets in our Norwegian North Sea.” He said Duva production is expected by late 2020 and Gjoa P1 production is expected in early 2021.

The Beacon Atlantic is scheduled to arrive at the first drill site in the fourth quarter. Currently, the semi awaits final commissioning and sea trials at CIMC Raffles yard in Yantai, China.

Nepture Energy Norge operates Duva field with 30% interest. Duva partners are Idemitsu Petroleum Norge AS 30%, Pandion Energy AS 20%, and Wellesley Petroleum AS 20%.

Gjoa field production started in 2010. The P1 segment is in northern Gjoa field. Neptune Energy Norge holds 30% and operates Gjoa. Partners are Petoro AS 30%, Wintershall Norge AS 20%, OKEA 12%, and DEA Norge AS 8%.