Dana Petroleum Spuds Platypus Well

UK independent Parkmead Group has announced that it has spudded its first well on the Platypus field in the UK Southern North Sea.

The well, which is located in the Platypus gas field in Block 48/1a and Block 48/1c, is drilled by operator of the licence Dana Petroleum. The other shareholders in the field are First Oil Expro and CalEnergy Gas.

The appraisal well, drilled using the ENESCO 80 drilling rig, is targeting the Rotliegendes gas accumulation first discovered by Dana in 2010. During the initial drilling, Dana encountered 218 vertical feet of gas through the 48/1a-5 well. 

After drilling, Parkmead says the well is expected to be suspended for use as a gas producer, producing gas from estimated potential gas reserves of 180 billion cubic feet.

"We are delighted to report that Parkmead's first well in the North Sea has started drilling," Executive Chairman of Parkmead Tom Cross said today.

"The company's oil and gas portfolio is growing rapidly, with three acquisitions made in recent months, giving Parkmead a balanced asset base of production, development, appraisal and exploration opportunities."