Bangkanai PSC operator to begin drilling at Kerendan gas field

By Romel S. Gurky

UK-listed oil and gas firm Sound Oil Plc said it has been informed by the operator of the Bangkanai PSC, Salamander Energy Plc, that the drilling program in Kerendan gas field within the block will begin in the immediate future.

Sound Oil said the rig for the Kerendan drilling campaign is expected to be mobilized from Batam Island, Riau to Kalimantan by the end of this month.

?It is intended that the rig will commence operations by drilling four development wells on the Kerendan gas field and then begin the exploration program on the license,? Sound Oil said.

?It is encouraging that the rig for the Bangkanai campaign will shortly be on the move after its re-fit for high pressure/high temperature operations. This rig is scheduled to drill (a total of) 5 to 6 wells which will allow the Kerendan gas field to be put on stream,? Gerry Orbell, Sound Oil's Chairman and Chief Executive, said.

Sound Oil holds 5 percent interest in the Bangkanai PSC. Salamander, the operator, holds 80 percent interest and another partner holds the rest.

Editing by Roffie Kurniawan