DRILLING

Empire picks Eclipse rig, waits for farm in partner

Empire has signed up Century Rig 24 to drill its Eclipse well in the Perth Basin, once the rig has completed its current program with Origin Energy. This follows the failure of OD&E to extricate its Rig 16 from the Patience well site in the Canning Basin.

Empire picks Eclipse rig, waits for farm in partner

Empire said it hopes to be drilling the main well bore by late September. Initial surface drilling has been ongoing for some weeks, which will reduce the amount of time the more expensive Rig 24 will need to spend on site. Surface casing has been set and cemented to 250 metres.

Rig 24 is currently drilling the Hovea-3 well, the second of its three committed Origin wells.

Contrary to local reports, Empire have yet to secure a farm in partner. Unlisted Perth minnow Ausoil NL, run by former WA Mines Minister Gordon Hill, has had talks with Empire, Hill said, but there has been no agreement struck.

Empire is seeking to farm out 19% of the permit, leaving it with 40%.

TOPICS:

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the energy sector, brought to you by the Energy News Bulletin Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the energy sector, brought to you by the Energy News Bulletin Intelligence team.

editions

ENB Cost Report 2023

ENB’s latest Cost Report findings provide optimism as investments in oil and gas, as well as new energy rise.

editions

ENB Future of Energy Report 2023

ENB’s inaugural Future of Energy Report details the industry outlook on the medium-to-long-term future for the sector in the Asia Pacific region.

editions

ENB Cost Report 2021

This industry-wide report aims to understand current cost levels across the energy industry

editions

ENB Social Licence Report 2021

In its second year, this research now includes trends and new findings surrounding impacts and responses as the energy industry seeks to secure and maintain a social licence to operate.