Operator Beach Petroleum will now run and cement seven-inch production casing, and suspend the well for completion and tie-back to production facilities.

Cooper said the completion was designed to optimise oil production and minimise associated water production.

Christies-4 is the fourth well in the Christies oil field and was drilled using the Century-3 rig.

Partners in the project are operator Beach Petroleum (70%) and Cooper (30%).