Independent Oil and Gas PLC (IOG) let a contract to Noble Corp. for use of the Hans Duel jackup rig to drill five Core Project Phase 1 production wells in the southern UK North Sea (OGJ Online, Oct. 29, 2019).
One well apiece will be drilled in Blythe (P1736) and Elgood fields (P2260), and three will be drilled in Southwark field (P1915). The fields all lie in 20-30 m water depth. The contract includes extension options to drill up to two additional wells.
Phase 1 drilling is expected to begin in first-quarter 2021 and, subject to actual well durations over the five wells, is expected to last into second-quarter 2022. First gas is scheduled for third-quarter 2021.
Completion of detailed well design is expected in early 2021, ahead of the first well spud. IOG also contracted most key services, tangibles, and logistics for Phase 1 and is tendering and negotiating multiple associated contracts.
IOG is operator (50%) of Core Project Phase 1 with partner CalEnergy Resources (UK) Ltd. (50%).