Karoon Gas Australia has executed its final agreements with members of the QGOC Constellation to contract the Olinda Star semi-submersible drilling rig.
The Olinda Star has been contracted to drill two firm wells and two optional wells in Karron’s Santos Basin blocks with drilling scheduled to commence during the third quarter of next year.
The wells are planned for the appraisal drilling of the Echidna light oil discovery.
Managing director, Mr Robert Hosking, said: “The contracting of the drilling rig for the appraisal of the Echidna light oil discovery is an exciting next step for Karoon.
“It is a critical milestone for assessing the commerciality of the Echidna field, and on success, will provide important information for moving forward with an early production system, which could bring first oil in the first half of calendar year 2019.
“Karoon’s team of specialist drilling engineers used the Olinda Star to complete the 2015 drilling campaign and the rig has subsequently undergone modifications at Karoon’s request, which are expected to further enhance the drilling performance. To date this team has successfully completed 6 vertical wells and 2 side-tracks in the Blocks.”