ExxonMobil to start deep water drilling campaign Q4

Indonesian unit of US giant ExxonMobil Corp. will start drilling campaign at its Makassar Strait deepwater blocks in October 2008 when the newly assembled rig is expected to be arrived.

ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia (EMOI) spokesperson Maman Budiman told Petromindo.Com that the company will start drilling three wells at Surumana Block, to be followed by another three in the nearby Mandar Block. EMOI has 100 percent interest in both blocks.

Maman said that EMOI has secured Seadrill?s West Aquarius rig -which is currently being assembled at Daewoo?s yard in South Korea- for the purpose.

According to Maman, the rig will operate in the water depth of 2,000 meters, targeting hydrocarbon reservoir at the depth of 4,000 meters.

Maman did not disclose the investment EMOI would spend for the exploration, but Seadrill in August 2007 had said that ExxonMobil will contract West Aquarius for three years with contract value of approximately US$570 million.(godang)