Rick Wilkinson
OGJ Correspondent
MELBOURNE, Feb. 3 -- Origin Energy Resources Ltd., Sydney, is preparing to develop Kupe gas-condensate field off New Zealand (see map, OGJ, July 16, 2001, p. 38).
It let contract to ENSCO Oceanics International to drill three development wells with the new ENSCO 107 jack up. ENSCO took delivery of the rig last month from Keppel FELS Ltd., Singapore, and is to conduct a 60-day exploratory drilling program for Pearl Energy Ltd. in the Gulf of Thailand (OGJ, Oct. 24, 2005, Newsletter).
The Kupe drilling will begin in the first half of 2007 and last about 6 months. The contract includes options to drill as many as three additional wells in Kupe or elsewhere on the permit.
Origin has received bids for the onshore construction of the production plant and associated pipelines.
The Kupe partners expect to make a final investment decision on the project within the next few months. Once approved first commercial gas and associated liquids production is scheduled to begin in 2008.
Origin has 50% of the project, while Genesis Energy Ltd. has 31%, New Zealand Oil & Gas Ltd. 15%, and Mitsui E&P (New Zealand) Ltd. 4%.