OMV Petrom has secured the Transocean Barents semi-submersible rig to drill the deep-water Anaconda-1 exploration well in the Romanian Black Sea, following the completion of development drilling at its flagship Neptun Deep gas field.

Neptun Deep Development Drilling Schedule

The Transocean Barents rig is currently engaged in development drilling for the Neptun Deep project. It is expected to complete four wells at the Pelikan South structure by December 2024, and will then move to the Domino structure to drill six more wells. The Domino drilling is scheduled for completion in 2026, paving the way for the start of gas production from Neptun Deep in 2027.

Anaconda-1 Exploration Well Details

The Anaconda-1 well will be drilled in the XIX Neptun block in approximately 1,500 metres of water, with a planned total depth of nearly 3,800 metres. The total cost of the well is estimated at around €90 million. The exploration will target two formations believed to be gas-bearing, with no crude oil present. Flow testing may be conducted if drilling indicates the presence of hydrocarbon fluids.

Parallel Exploration Activity in Bulgaria

In addition to its Romanian operations, OMV Petrom is preparing for deepwater exploration in Bulgaria's Black Sea. In partnership with NewMed Energy, the company plans to drill two exploration wells in the Han Aspurah block using the Noble Globetrotter I drillship, which recently arrived off the Bulgarian coast. The targeted prospect is estimated to hold 3.5 trillion cubic feet of potential in-place gas resources.