Serica Energy delays North Sea gas exploration

Serica Energy PLC encountered delays in drilling the North Eigg gas prospect exploration well close to Serica’s Bruce, Keith, and Rhum (BKR) fields in the UK Northern North Sea.

Operations are expected to take some 6 weeks longer to complete than the originally scheduled due to a recent equipment failure and the required mobilization of a replacement. Drilling had been progressing successfully despite some delays in the top-hole sections, the company said.

During recent drilling preparations for the well's third section, there was a failure of a vital piece of rig equipment during routine pre-job testing. A replacement has been sourced and planning is under way to transport it to the rig. 

Serica’s net well cost after tax is anticipated to increase by about £3 million because of the delays, and it is now expected that well results will be available in December 2022.

A successful discovery at North Eigg could be tied back to existing infrastructure (OGJ Online, Dec. 9, 2021).

Serica is operator of Bruce, Keith, and Rhum, holding interests of 98%, 100%, and 50%, respectively.