Western Europe: Others

WESTERN EUROPE

Others

Portugal. A growing economy, no existing oil and gas production and a drilling density of only 2.4 wildcats per 1,000 sq km prompted seismic work totaling 5,716 mi of 2-D surveys in 2000. Another 4,631 mi of 2-D seismic are planned for 2001. Portugal’s only well in 2000 – Mohave Oil and Gas / Desire Petroleum’s Aljubarrota 3 – was abandoned at a depth of 8,153 ft, due to the absence of gas production, and concern about formation damage from water influx (a foam drilling system was being used). Three wells – one offshore – are planned for 2001.

Spain. KCA Drilling was awarded a $5-million project by Repsol-YPF last year to refurbish and upgrade the existing rig on the Casablanca platform, offshore Taragona. The contract also included the drilling of two new wells. By early this year, the first well was finished, and the second well was being completed. KCA said that Repsol-YPF would review plans and determine whether further development drilling at Casablanca field would be necessary. Sherritt International participated in two exploratory wells, one of which resulted in the discovery of the Barracuda field. Production began in December.

Early this year, Repsol-YPF confirmed that it had sought the Spanish government’s permission to explore nine offshore blocks surrounding the Canary Islands. In May, the Ministry of Economy approved the project. Exploratory drilling within the 6,160-sq-km (2,378-sq-mi) area could begin as soon as 2003.

Faroes. The opening of the first Faroese Licensing Round occurred at the beginning of 2000 with 56 blocks and 26 part-blocks offered. The application stage was closed on May 17, 2000, with the Faroese ministry receiving 23 applications from 17 companies. Announcements were made in August 2000, and seven licenses were awarded. Statoil and ENI both were awarded two operatorships, with BP, Anadarko and Amerada awarded the remaining three. Statoil spudded the first offshore well in 3,087-ft water in July 2001. Also, at the beginning of 2001, Atlantic Petroleum signed an agreement to become the fifth partner of the Faroese group. The other partners are Amerada Hess, LASMO, Norsk Hydro and DONG.