KCA to Drill Marathon's Poland Shale Plays

The Scotsman reports that Aberdeen-based driller KCA DEUTAG, will unveil unveil a "multi-million" deal with Marathon Oil Corporation to drill for shale gas in Poland's Paleozoic shale play.

The deal would mark the Scottish firm's first venture into the eastern European country, which industry sources suggested could be worth up to $23 million (£14m).

The deal initially covers four wells but could be extended to include a further seven sites.

Brian Taylor, KCA's chief operating officer, told Scotland on Sunday: "It's a significant size of contract for us and marks our entry into the shale gas market. We are going to take the opportunity to develop our relationship with Marathon and we hope to become its drilling contract of choice for the eastern hemisphere."

Taylor added that he hoped the deal would lead to other contracts in the "unconventionals" sector after the company had demonstrated its expertise in the growing field.

Marathon holds eleven onshore exploration license with shale gas potential in Poland in September with total acreage  approximately 2.3 million net acres.

Nexen Inc., has entered into a deal acquire a 40 percent working interest in ten of Marathon's concessions.