The Ocean Apex semi-submersible drilling rig was handed over to BP, the operator of the WA-359-P joint venture, for the drilling of the Ironbark-1 exploration well at 1600hrs (AWST) on Friday afternoon.

Map source: Cue Energy

The rig is now being mobilised to the Ironbark-1 well location, with standard rig inspection and acceptance procedures being undertaken by BP. Mobilisation activities are expected to take approximately 10 days.

Exploration permit WA-359-P is located in the Carnarvon Basin, offshore Western Australia, approximately 50km from existing North West Shelf LNG infrastructure. The Ironbark-1 well is expected to drill to approximately 5500 metres and will be the first test of the world class Ironbark gas prospect.

The WA-359-P Joint Venture participating interests are:

• BP (operator) 42.5%
• Cue 21.5%
• Beach Energy 21%
• New Zealand Oil and Gas 15%

KeyFacts Energy: bp Australia country profile   l   Cue Energy Australia country profile   l   Beach Energy Australia country profile   l   NZOG Australia country profile