Naftogaz to drill in Gujarat
Ukraine’s Naftogaz (10% and operator) and Adani Welspun (90%) are set to begin exploratory drilling at their 75-sq km NELP-VI onshore block CB-ONN-2004/5 in Gujarat.
PETROWATCH learns Naftogaz plans to spud the first exploration well by the end of this month (May) using a brand new 2000-hp rig called Blackpearl-I - hired from Dubai-based Blackpearl Services to drill the first three of nine Phase-I exploration wells committed at the block. “We plan to drill three wells initially,” confirms a consortium source, “and will decide about the remaining six later.
” Earlier plans to spud the first well in March were postponed as the rig was not ready. “Some parts of Blackpearl-I have reached the site,” says an industry source.
“It is being assembled and should be ready to drill later this month.” Naftogaz will target the Ankleshwar geological formation at all three wells, and is looking for both oil and gas.
“Each well will be drilled to between 3600 metres and 4000 metres TD,” we hear.