Oil firm’s drilling project link-up

North Sea oil and gas producer Chrysaor is embarking on a drilling campaign under a threeyear partnership with oil services firm Baker Hughes, a GE Company (BHGE).

The multi-well contract is expected to last three years and covers the drilling, completion and subsea tie-in of development wells on Chrysaor’s operated assets.

Chrysaor will share the risks and rewards of their reservoir outcomes with BHGE as the service partner in the deal, with BHGE contributing to the costs of the work programme.

Aberdeen-headquartered Chrysaor said it expected the “innovative approach” to reduce overall delivery costs and boost the firm’s commercial attractiveness.

The first well of the campaign is a side-track

“We believe that we can increase recovery factors”

at the Maria field, which is expected to start in early May.

Rowan Group’s Gorilla VII ultra-harsh environment jack-up rig has been contracted for the work, which will begin immediately for an initial term of 18 months.

The contract includes two one-year extension options.

Chrysaor chief executive Phil Kirk said: “Our initial Maria drilling campaign is the first phase of the redevelopment plans for our operated fields.

“With the application of focused capital and expertise, we believe that we can increase recovery factors, add to our reserve base and extend the field life of the assets.

“The innovative service partnership we have struck with BHGE is an important step in ensuring that the full potential of the UK’s North Sea resources is realised.”