Matrix selects Transocean Sedco Forex and Schlumberger contractors for N. Sumatra oilfields

Australian listed oil firm Matrix Oil NL said Thursday the tender process for the award of the drilling rig and integrated oilfield services for the development of the Langsa oilfields in the Malaccan Straits, together with the drilling of at least one exploration well at the nearby Asahan production sharing contract (PSC) area had been completed.

The company picked Transocean Sedco Forex for the supply of the drilling rig integrated services, which would provide the "Sedco 601" semi-submersible rig, and Schlumberger, which would provide the integrated oilfield services.

The "Sedco 601" is currently undergoing an equipment upgrade at Jurong, Singapore in preparation for mobilization in early September.

Matrix said letters of intent had been signed and final approval from state oil and gas company Pertamina for the award of the contracts is expected shortly.

?Three re-entry development wells in Langsa would be completed in the third week of October this year, to be followed by spudding Asahan PSC exploration well,? said the company.

Earlier, Matrix said it would start oil production of 10,000 barrels per day from Langsa oilfields November this year.

Matrix has 90 percent working interest in Langsa and 75 percent in Asahan. (alex)