RE: Valaris 247 Rig - per Ministry of Petroleum - Sundagas Chuditch been assigned Q4 slot18 Mar 2024 11:38
Baron is preparing for operations to drill and flow test the Chuditch-2 appraisal well in late 2024, subject to the availability of a rig, drilling services and the completion of drill finance. In this respect, discussions are underway to secure a rig slot and on 12 February 2024 the Company announced that it had entered into contracts to conduct a site survey at the planned drilling location for the Chuditch-2 appraisal well. Contract Year 3 of the PSC, which commences on 19 June 2024, includes a commitment to drill an appraisal well by 18 June 2025.
The Chuditch-2 appraisal well location represents a significant updip step-out, which is 4.8km from the Chuditch-1 discovery well drilled by Shell in 1998.
Baron's key objectives from the Chuditch-2 appraisal well include:
· prognosing a potential 133 metre gas column, versus a 30 metre column at the original Chuditch-1 location
· validating gas resource estimates
· performing a production flow test (drill stem test) to enable future field development planning
Advanced well planning in relation to the Chuditch-2 appraisal well is underway. Baron is also evaluating potential gas development and export options.
Baron's current activities in relation to advancing the Chuditch project include:
· Discussions with rig owners
· Identifying potential logistical synergies with regional operators
· Progressing the environmental approvals process
· Preparing to conduct a site survey at the proposed Chuditch-2 appraisal well location
· Commencing the procurement process for long lead items
· Updating of the well design and costs
· Recruiting for key posts, including Well Operations, Health, Safety and Environmental and Procurement
· Ongoing discussions with Farm-Out and other potential funding partners, as part of the Farm-Out campaign