Providence issues drilling update

Irish oil and gas exploration firm Providence Resources said it has completed drilling operations on its new development well…

Irish oil and gas exploration firm Providence Resources said it has completed drilling operations on its new development well at the Singleton field, which is located in the south of England.

The X11 horizontal development well forms part of the company's multi-well 2010 drilling programme. Analysis indicates the well has encountered 2,081 ft of gross hydrocarbon bearing interval with 1,784 ft of net pay.

It is currently being completed for production and the rig will then be moved to the X8x well. Once drilling operations are completed there, both wells will be brought into production.

"The drilling phase of the X11 development well has exceeded our expectations both in terms of operational execution as well as geological outcome," Providence's technical director John O'Sullivan said.

"We have managed to drill more reservoir section than was originally planned whilst still being below our budgeted figure for this well. It's a great result for Providence and demonstrates our application of best practice in implementing the X11 programme."

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien is an Irish Times business and technology journalist