Eni, partners contract drillship for deepwater Morocco permit

Eni SPA has signed a contract for the deepwater drillship Saipem 12000 to drill the exploratory RD-1 well in Morocco’s Rabat Deep offshore permit, announced partner Chariot Oil & Gas Ltd. The well will target the Jurassic carbonate JP-1 prospect.

The vessel is expected to begin working shortly after it arrives on site late in the first quarter of 2018.

Eni is the operator with 40% interest. Partners are Woodside 25%, Chariot 10%, and Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines 25% carried interest.

In January, Eni acquired a 40% equity interest from Chariot in return for a capped carry on drilling the JP-1 prospect and other costs related to Rabat Deep and a recovery of Chariot’s investment to date.