Petroceltic, Partners Award Drilling Campaign for Algeria's Ain Tsila Gas Field to Sinopec

Petroceltic International has awarded drilling contract for Ain Tsila gas field in Algeria to Sinopec.

The contract for the provision of a drilling rig has been signed between Groupement Isarene (Groupement) and Sinopec International Petroleum Service Corporation.

Groupement Isarene, the joint operating organisation responsible for executing the Ain Tsila field development plan established by Sonatrach, Petroceltic and Enel, successfully completed the tendering process resulting in the award and signature of the contract to Sinopec, Petroceltic said Monday.

“The 1500 horse power rig, which is now built and ready to ship, will drill up to 24 new development wells. The first 12 drilling locations, all in the northern region of the field, have already been selected and approved. The award of the rig contract represents the achievement of a further milestone for the Ain Tsila project and will enable drilling to commence on schedule in 2015,” the company said.

Brian O’Cathain, Chief Executive of Petroceltic commented: "The next important project milestone will be the launch of the invitation to tender for the EPC contract which we expect to occur in the second quarter of this year. The project remains on track to deliver first sales gas in Q4 2018."