Shell UK Ltd. has begun drilling operations at License P2252 in the Pensacola prospect, northwest of Breagh gas field in the Zechstein Reef play fairway, Southern North Sea, according to a release by license partner Deltic Energy.
The Maersk Resilient rig has been installed on Pensacola and drilling operations are expected to last 60-90 days. The well will be plugged and abandoned after completion of operations.
The Pensacola prospect is a Z2 Zechstein reef partially mapped on 3D seismic data and is analogous to similar structures identified on adjacent blocks. The reef is 15 km long by 6 km wide, clearly defined on 2D and 3D seismic, and builds to more than 200 m above the surrounding Z2 (Hauptdolomite) platform (OGJ Online Oct. 22, 2021).
Deltic estimates that Pensacola contains 309 bcf gross P50 prospective resources. Commercialization options include export via existing Breagh infrastructure or a new pipeline to Teesside.
Shell is operator of the license with 70% interest. Deltic Energy holds the remaining 30%.
