Chevron to drill 16 wells in August at NDD Area 13

By Godang Sitompul

PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI) plans to drill 16 wells at the North Duri Development (NDD) Area 13 project in Duri, Riau, in August, with the outlook that first oil production will take place in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Head of Drilling and Survey Division at upstream authority SKK Migas, Arief Fansuri told Petromindo.com on Monday that CPI plans to drill up to 170 wells this year, but in August drilling will only cover 16 wells.

CPI Vice President for Public Affairs, Yanto S. Sianipar confirmed the plans, adding that construction at NDD 13 project have been progressing in line with schedule both for preparation of location, road access, as well as surface facility development. ?There are a number of obstacles including smog problem but hopefully they would not disrupt the construction schedule,? he said.

He said that first oil production at the NDD 13 project is expected to start in the fourth quarter of this year, with peak production expected to be around 17,000 bopd.

The NDD Area 13 project that follows the successful NDD 12 project aims at helping to increase crude production at CPI?s Duri field.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak