State-owned Oil India (OIL) has commenced a significant offshore exploration campaign in the Kerala-Konkan basin off India's east coast. The campaign involves spudding the first well on shallow-water Block KK-OSHP-2018/1, an area of over 3519 square kilometres awarded to OIL in 2019 under the OALP-3 licensing round, in which the company holds a 100% operated interest.

Well Details and Campaign Significance

The planned well is a landmark project, set to be drilled 20 nautical miles offshore to a depth of 6000 metres, ranking it among the deepest offshore wells in Indian waters. The campaign will probe key Cretaceous geological plays. This exploration is targeted at a Category 3 basin, classified as having prospective resources awaiting discovery, indicating its untapped potential. The Indian government had previously approved this specific location for initiating drilling activities.

Exploration Preparations and Support

Extensive preparatory work has been completed, including a 3D seismic survey covering 1028 square kilometres. Critical logistical support for the drilling operations will be provided through a memorandum of understanding signed between OIL and the Cochin Port Authority (CoPA).

Basin Geology and Additional Activity

The Kerala-Konkan basin, covering approximately 580,000 square kilometres along India's western continental margin, contains over 5 kilometres of sediments from the Cretaceous period to recent times. Geological data confirms the presence of post-rift mature sediments with sufficient organic carbon, and drilling results and gas anomalies confirm hydrocarbon generation in the basin. Beyond OIL's block, the Indian government has also approved exploration in two other blocks in the basin: KK-OSHP-2022/1 and KK-DWHP-2022/1, operated by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). Other key operators in this non-producing basin include ONGC and Reliance Industries.