HOEC wants a rig to drill two OALP-1 wells
HOEC is planning to drill one firm and one optional well at its OALP-I block AA-ONHP-2017/19 in Assam.
For this, it has received at least one offer to hire an onland rig between 1200 and 1500-hp from a tender issued in January 2024. "From what I hear, they have received just one bid for the drilling programme," says a source.
"John Energy has offered one of its 1400-hp rigs." But HOEC has yet to award the contract.
"They are probably still trying to speak to other drilling contractors to check if they can receive more and better offers," we learn. "They want the well to be drilled and completed in a strict timeframe of just 150 days; that is also probably why they might want more rig offers to select the best."
By June 2024, HOEC plans to begin drilling exploration well Loc-D, planned to 2500 metres targeting the sub-thrust Barail Girujan and Tipam formations. Whether HOEC drills the second well depends on the results of the first.
"After drilling well Loc-D, HOEC wants to take a break during the rig contract to assess the well details," says a source. "During this break, HOEC will decide if they want to drill the optional well."
HOEC believes the 79.5-sq km AA-ONHP-2017/19 is prospective because it sits adjacent to the Dirok field (AAP-ON-94/1_Dirok), where it is also the operator. Collectively, they form the "Greater Dirok area’ and are integral parts of a proven petroleum system hosting prolific reservoirs like Girujan, Tipam, and Barail, with numerous leads and prospects.
"The block (AA-ONHP-2017/19) lies between Dirok and the (pre-NELP 11.58-sq km) Kharsang field," adds our source. "HOEC has high expectations as a result."
Based on assessed prospectivity, HOEC carved out AA-ONHP-2017/19 by submitting an EoI under OALP, followed by a competitive work programme, and signed the RSC on October 1 (2018). Among the useful infrastructure in the Greater Dirok area is an HOEC-operated gas processing facility and gas pipeline.
IndianOil’s Digboi refinery is also nearby.