BASS STRAIT DRILLING - PREPARING FOR THE NINETIES

Abstract

Future development drilling in Bass Strait will be challenged by small field sizes, thin oil columns and increasing drilling difficulty due to greater hole angle and reach. New drilling technology successfully introduced in the recent Bream, Whiting, Perch and Dolphin developments including Steerable Drilling Systems (SDS), Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) bits and Logging While Drilling (LWD) tools, coupled with the successful use of jackup rigs for miniplatform development, has given Esso the tools and confidence to meet the development challenges of the 'nineties. Bass Strait's first horizontal well has been successfully drilled and completed with further wells planned in the current Bream development. There still remain some areas requiring improvements, including hole cleaning in high angle holes. Improvements in this and other areas will further improve drilling capability.

Given the right incentives Bass Strait drilling technology is well positioned for the challenge of oil development in the 'nineties.