INPEX to carry out appraisal drilling program at Masela block

INPEX Masela Ltd, the operator of Masela block in Timor Sea, is scheduled to commence appraisal drilling program at the block in the first quarter of 2006.

According to company?s tender announcement released Thursday the drilling program of three firm wells plus one optional well will use floating rig for duration of approximately 240 days total including option.

The Masela Block is located offshore southwest of Tanimbar Island, about 800 kilometers east of Kupang and approximately 400 kilometers north of Darwin, Australia. INPEX operates the block with 100 percent of working interest.

In 2002, INPEX confirmed a large natural gas accumulation in the block after two appraisal wells, Abadi-2 and Abadi-3, tested a total 32.4 million cubic feet a day of natural gas.

The size of the Abadi structure, which is located in the central part of the block, has presented various development options such as a liquefied natural gas project, a gas-to-liquids project, and gas sales via pipelines to Australia. (Robert)