Predator Oil & Gas Holdings plc said that competition for transport had delayed the spud date for the MOU-2 well at its Guercif gas licence onshore northern Morocco.
TRANSPORT
The company, which has nearly completed pre-drilling procurement and delivery, had expected to start drilling in mid-December.
“Some remaining well inventory was delayed as a result of having to be trucked by road when previously negotiated transport by sea was withdrawn at short notice due to the competition for vessel capacity created by market conditions generated by the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war,” said Predator.
Executive chairman Paul Griffiths added that the company was confident that drilling would begin as planned in accordance with drilling and geological programmes.
EQUIPMENT
The company has begun mobilisation of the Star Valley Rig 101 equipment to the drilling location for MOU-2.
Predator has also imported long lead items, including wellheads, other well equipment and materials and secured them in warehouse.
Remaining materials and inventory are in transit and will arrive on location in the coming days.
OPERATIONS
The company will drill the well to 1,500 metres total vertical depth below ground level over 12 to 15 days.
“The primary gas target is anticipated to be reached within 10 days of the commencement of drilling, subject to no unexpected operational delays,” added Predator.
“The possible presence of high pressure gas in the primary target has been prudently allowed for in the well design and for the operational procedures to be adopted whilst drilling into this potential gas reservoir.”