Endeavour Halts Drilling Ops at East Rochelle

Endeavour International, operator of the East Rochelle field, provided a drilling update on the East Rochelle well (15/27-E1y) in the UK sector of the North Sea.

Endeavour performed a routine inspection of the conductor, well head and blow out preventer systems using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) after a severe storm that lasted several days. Inspection of the well revealed that the cement around the top of the 36-inch conductor pipe had been removed creating a non-uniform hole around the conductor, the press release stated. The hole extended about 4 to 7 feet in diameter and 25 feet in depth.

Drilling operations have been suspended on the well due to this finding and the company is now conducting a thorough analysis to identify the cause of the cement loss. The repair work to the conductor pipe is completed and an evaluation will be conducted to determine if potential fatigue damage occurred on the conductor. Once the investigation is completed, the company plans to recommence drilling operations at the East Rochelle well.

The Transocean Prospect (mid-water semisub) is slated to move to the West Rochelle area to drill a second production well, allowing for the start-up for the Rochelle development.

The Rochelle field is located on Blocks 15/26b, 15/26c and 15/27 in 453 feet (138 meters) of water in the UK sector of the North Sea. Endeavour International serves as the operator, holding a 55.6% interest and Nexen holds the remaining 44.4% interest.



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