GSPC issues â€کfloater' tender to replace Essar Wildcat
GSPC wants to hire a â€کfloater’ for eastern offshore exploration block KG-OSN-2001/3 to replace Essar Wildcat, which is experiencing major problems with its BOP (Blow out Preventer).
GSPC wants the â€کfloater’ to have the same or similar specifications as Wildcat, crucially a 15,000-psi BOP and the ability to drill in 1500-ft water depths. GSPC’s bid deadline is July 17 for the rig, which it wants for a minimum two years, in the clearest indication yet of a desire to replace Wildcat permanently.
Well-placed sources at GSPC confide that Dubai-based Essar Oilfields Services has failed to give a timetable for repairs and resumption of Wildcat’s operations at the block, forcing the company to look elsewhere. Wildcat spud well KG#19 on May 2 but shortly after BOP problems forced a drilling suspension and Wildcat’s redeployment to a Singapore shipyard for repairs.
“Sometimes they (Essar) say it will take four months,†complains GSPC. “Other times they say six months.
How long can we keep waiting†Wildcat was the first â€کfloater’ mobilised at KG-OSN-2001/3 to drill in deep water areas of the block, where GSPC is nearing the end of its exploration phase. “We are running out of time on this block,†adds a source.
“The exploration phase ends in September next year.†GSPC thinks it unlikely the DGH or the oil ministry will grant an extension.
“We have no option but to look for a rig and re-start drilling at the other locations that were lined up for Wildcat,†adds GSPC. Drillers believe GSPC’s timetable is too tight.
“GSPC wants the rig mobilised in October,†says one driller. “This will be difficult.
The earliest availability is first quarter 2009.†GSPC’s biggest problem, say drillers, is the 15,000-psi BOP stack.
“There are hardly any â€کfloaters’ with this available,†he concludes. Should GSPC find one, drillers predict it will have to pay between $350,000 and $400,000 per day.