Delays possible for North Sea drilling

Long delays have been reported to be possible for the drilling of two North Sea oil wells, after the Maersk drilling unit Resolve experiences longer mobilisation times due to bad weather.

Conoco Phillips has recently agreed to use the rig for the North Sea wells, signing a contract that is said to be worth $26 million with Maersk. (£17 million).

The jack-up drilling rig is expected to start work on the two-well job in May. Drilling of the wells is expected to take 165 days in total, which totals a fee of $157,500 (£102,733) a day, excluding any mobilisation fees.

The Maersk Resolve has made the headlines recently over delays to its drilling schedules. Noreco has advised that the revised release date by Maersk Oil and Gas of the Maersk Resolve drilling rig is 26th January 2012, which could have a knock-on effect for ConocoPhillips' plans.

Mobilisation to the Luna contract could also face possible delays, Noreco has warned. Suitable weather conditions will be needed to keep the schedule on track for the rigs next port of call.

Posted by Lauren Steadman