Petroceltic International, the oil and gas exploration, development and production company focused on the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean region, announced the award of a contract for the provision of a drilling rig between Groupement Isarene and SINOPEC International Petroleum Service Corporation for the Ain Tsila gas and condensate field.
Groupement Isarene, the joint operating organisation responsible for executing the Ain Tsila field development plan established by Sonatrach, Petroceltic and Enel, completed the tendering process and awarded the contract to SINOPEC. The 1500hp rig, which is now built and ready to ship, will drill up to 24 new development wells. The first 12 drilling locations, all in the northern region of the field, have already been selected and approved. The award of the rig contract represents the achievement of a further milestone for the Ain Tsila project and will enable drilling to commence on schedule in 2015.
Brian O’Cathain, chief executive of Petroceltic commented: “We are pleased with the award of the rig contract to SINOPEC, a company with extensive experience in Algeria. The next important project milestone will be the launch of the invitation to tender for the EPC contract, which we expect to occur in the second quarter of this year. The project remains on track to deliver first sales gas in Q4 2018.”