Slim pickings for exploration in territories around Scotland

Westwood Global Energy reports that as of May 27 there were no exploration and appraisal wells active in the UK. In light of the Covid19 pandemic and oil price crash, there have been a large number of E&A wells deferred to 2021.

WEST OF SHETLAND

The last well to complete in the region was Hurricane’s Warwick West 204/30b-4 appraisal well on December 13. No further drilling is expected this year, with Hurricane having been granted a licence extension to drill an appraisal well on the Lincoln structure.

NORTHERN NORTH SEA

The last well to complete in the region was Apache’s 9/18e-42 Solar exploration well programme on February 26, with this successful in making an oil discovery in the target

Eocene sand injectites. Apache is expected to drill another near-field exploration well this year on the 9/18a Gair prospect, which is also planned to be developed via its nearby Beryl field infrastructure in the event of success.

CENTRAL NORTH SEA

The last well to complete in the region was Total’s 30/12d-11 Isabella exploration well on April 7 which made an HPHT gas condensate and light oil discovery in three formations in the Upper Jurassic and Triassic, the latter being the primary objective.

The next exploration well expected to be drilled in the region is Equinor’s 16/2a Tiger Lily well which will target Upper Jurassic prospectivity on the margins of the East Shetland Platform. The rig, West Hercules, is currently in Norwegian waters.

SOUTHERN NORTH SEA

The last well to complete in the region was Eni’s 53/14a-2 Aspen exploration well on December 11 which was abandoned as a dry hole. No further drilling is expected in the gas basin this year.

Photograph by Sandy McCook HIATUS: A very busy Cromarty Firth as oil rigs are parked up during the pandemic.