Oil and gas development company Empyrean Energy has awarded a contract for a well site survey over the Jade prospect on Block 29/11 offshore China to China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL) ahead of drilling operations set for December 2021.
Empyrean is the operator of Block 29/11 in China and has 100 per cent working interest during the exploration phase. In the event of a commercial discovery, its partner, China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), may assume a 51 per cent participating interest in the development and production phase.
Empyrean has already awarded an integrated drilling contract for the drilling of the Jade exploration well also to COSL. The target spud date was confirmed from 15 December to 30 December 2021.
In preparation for the spudding of the Jade prospect well in mid-December 2021, the company has now also agreed on a comprehensive scope for the survey with COSL.
Empyrean said on Tuesday that the objective of the well site survey is to identify all possible constraints and hazards including man-made, natural, and geological features which may affect the operational or environmental integrity of a proposed drilling operation. In addition, the survey is designed to provide sufficient data to fully assess potential top-hole drilling hazards at the proposed well location and to ensure the rig can be secured safely onsite.
COSL is scheduled to start the survey in late October 2021, subject to a safe weather window for operations.
Empyrean CEO, Tom Kelly , stated: “The well site survey contract award marks an important and crucial milestone towards conducting of a safe drilling operation in mid-December 2021. We are thankful to both CNOOC and COSL who both have enabled detailed discussions and timely approval during our planning process. December 2021 is shaping up as an important event in the corporate history of this company.”
As previously reported, Empyrean has also already appointed AGR to complete a comprehensive well design and engineering project for the Jade prospect. The company then elected, based on AGR’s analysis and recommendation, to use a four-string casing design for the drilling.