AWE reported that the Kan Tan IV drilling rig started drilling at 1000 hours on May 2nd, 2010. At 0600 hours on May 6 (NZ time), the well was at a measured depth of 1,505 meters, where 13-3/8” casing was being run and cemented, as planned. This is the first of two exploration wells which will both be drilled close to the Tui oilfield in PMP 38158, in the offshore Taranaki Basin.

The Tui SW-1 well will evaluate the Kapuni F10 Sand, the oil bearing reservoir in the Tui oilfield, and has a planned TD of approximately 3900m. At the conclusion of drilling the well will be cased and suspended as a possible future gas injection well.

A successful discovery would likely be developed by low-cost tie-back to the existing Tui facilities.

It is planned to drill the Kahu-1 well, the second well in the program, immediately following Tui SW-1

Tags: AWE Limited