Shell UK to drill Southern North Sea appraisals

Shell UK Ltd. will drill Selene and Pensacola appraisal wells in the Southern North Sea in 2024, said partner Deltic Energy PLC in a Dec. 5 release. Preparatory works for both wells are progressing.

The first of the two wells to be drilled is an exploration on the Selene gas prospect on license P2437. The prospect is considered one of the largest unappraised structures in the Leman Sandstone fairway of Southern Gas basin. Selene JV partners estimate Selene to contain gross P50 prospective resources of 318 bcf of gas (with a P90 to P10 range of 132-581 bcf) with a 70% geological chance of success.

The initial geophysical site survey on Selene was completed during the summer and the acquired data informed the geotechnical survey which will begin in the first half of this month. Site surveys ensure safe installation of the rig at the selected well location.

Following completion of the well design process, critical long lead items including casing have been identified and procurement processes are advanced. Accordingly, Selene remains on track to be drilled in third-quarter 2024.

An appraisal on the Pensacola discovery in License P2252 is planned for drilling after the Selene well in late 2024. Pensacola JV partners estimate that the Zechstein carbonate reservoir contains gross P50 ultimately recoverable oil and gas resources of nearly 100 MMboe. Site survey works for the well location are due to be carried out in first-half 2024. The Pensacola JV will formalize a well investment decision in relation to the appraisal well in December 2023.

The rig tendering process for Selene and Pensacola is ongoing.

Shell UK Ltd. is operator at Selene (50%) and Pensacola (70%). Deltic holds the remaining equity in both prospects.