Drilling rig arrives at BP-led Ironbark project

The Ocean Apex drilling rig has been handed over to BP to drill the Ironbark-1 joint venture well offshore Western Australia after completing work with Woodside.

Operator BP will mobilise the rig to the Ironbark-1 well location, with standard rig inspection and acceptance procedures being undertaken.

Mobilisation activities are expected to take 10 day before the well is drilled to 5500m at the Carnarvon Basin site.

Andrew Jefferies, chief executive of joint venture partner New Zealand Oil & Gas (NZOG), said: “The next activities should take around 10 days and involves moving to the well site, anchoring, and completing handover activities. We will confirm commencement of drilling when it occurs.”

In September, the JV reported it was on track to begin drilling after receiving approvals. BP had the environment plan approved by NOPSEMA in July.

Drilling is expected to take 90-100 days, with activities to be conducted on a 24-hour basis. The drill will be supported by three mobile positioned vessels, including one supply vessel and two anchor handling vessels.

The Ironbark exploration drilling program comprises the drilling, evaluation and plugging and abandonment of one exploration well. 

Located in exploration permit WA-359-P, the project is a joint venture between BP (42.5 per cent), Cue (21.5 per cent), Beach Energy (21 per cent) and NZOG (15 per cent).

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