3D Oil has blamed bad weather for the delay in drilling the Sea Lion-1 exploration well offshore Australia.
It is now expected to spud mid-September, subject to weather conditions causing delays to the handover of the rig from the current operator.
The company had previously said it expected to spud by the end of August.
3D said the latest delay is not at the material expense of the VIC/P57 joint venture. It added that it is not due to problems with the performance of the rig or other operational factors.
“The delay is entirely due to adverse Bass Strait weather and sea conditions preventing the timely release of the West Telesto from its current assignment with another operator,” it said in a statement
The VIC/P57 joint venture, under the operatorship of Carnarvon Hibiscus, has contracted the West Telsto jack-up drilling rig to drill Sea Lion-1.
The joint venture has completed its operational and regulatory preparations and stands ready to drill Sea Lion-1 upon handover of the West Telesto.
Sea Lion-1 is located in offshore Gippsland Basin permit VIC/P57 where 3D has a 24.9% interest. TDO’s share of the Sea Lion-1 well costs is being carried up to the extent of US$7.5 million as part of an agreement with Carnarvon.