BP Mobilises Rig for Oz Ironbark-1 Drilling

The Ocean Apex semi-submersible drilling rig was handed over to BP, the operator of the WA-359-P joint venture, for the drilling of the Ironbark-1 exploration well on October 9, partner Cue Energy said on October 12.

“The rig is now being mobilised to the Ironbark-1 well location, with standard rig inspection and acceptance procedures being undertaken by BP. Mobilisation activities are expected to take approximately 10 days,” Cue said.

BP has a 42.5% stake in WA-359-P, while Cue has 21.5%, Beach Energy 21% and New Zealand Oil & Gas 15%. Ironbark-1 well got the final regulatory approval late last month. 

Exploration permit WA-359-P is located in the Carnarvon basin, offshore Western Australia, approximately 50 km from existing North West Shelf LNG infrastructure. The Ironbark-1 well is expected to be drilled to around 5,500 metres and will be the first test of the Ironbark gas prospect.