INPEX, SKK Migas launch drilling campaign for Masela Block
Friday, May 24 2013 - 02:43 AM WIB
INPEX Masela Ltd together with SKK Migas, the upstream oil and gas authority, have launched a campaign to inform stakeholders about the upcoming off shore drilling program at the Masela Block. The campaign program was held on May 22 in Saumlaki, the capital city of Southeast Maluku.
?The drilling activity will be started in June 2013 covering three delineation wells Abadi-8, Abadi-9, and Abadi-10 as well an exploration well, Berkat-1. The objective of the 10-month drilling program is to obtain geological, reservoir, and drilling technique data in a bid to optimize drilling program for the expansion of the Abadi gas field, and the prospect of exploring the Berkat field,? explained Alfred Manayang, Manager of Communication and Relations at INPEX to Petromindo.com.
The upcoming drilling program is a fourth stage and a continuation of the previous survey and drilling activities which have been carried out by INPEX. In 2009, the company started 2D seismic survey, followed with the drilling of the Abadi-1 exploration well in 2000, when INPEX successfully discovered the Abadi gas field. In 2001, the company carried out 3D seismic survey, followed with second stage drilling at two delineation wells, Abadi-2 and Abadi-3, in 2002. After conducting a review, in 2007 and 2008, the third stage drilling programs were implemented at four delineation wells Abadi-4, Abadi-5, Abadi-6, and Abadi-7.
The offshore Masela Block, operated by INPEX Masela Ltd, is located in the Arafura Sea. The closest land distance of well to be drilled are located about 85 km of the southern tip of the Tanimbar Island. The upcoming drilling program is far from conservation area and will not interfere with shipping route. The depth of the sea at the drilling location is between 500-800 meters. Drilling program is planned to reach a depth of 4,000 meters.
?INPEX is a pioneer of deep sea offshore exploration activity in Indonesia, a high-risk, capital-intensive and high-tech activity,? Alfred said.
The government has approved the first stage development plan of the Masela Block through the floating LNG concept with a capacity of 2.5 million tons per annum.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak