Drilling commences in Romanian Black Sea

ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania Limited, an affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corporation, and OMV Petrom S.A. has announced the start of drilling at the Domino-2 well in the deepwater sector of the Neptun Block offshore Romania in the Black Sea. Data collected during the drilling program will be used to assess the size and commercial viability of the gas field discovered by the Domino-1 exploration well in 2012.

"If the discovery proves to be commercially viable, ExxonMobil would leverage its global deepwater experience and project execution expertise to ensure safe, environmentally responsible, and timely resource development", said John Knapp, Managing Director of ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania.

Romanian domestic oil and gas supply

"We will capitalise on more than 40 years of experience in the shallow waters of the Black Sea to contribute to the success of a pioneer project like Neptun Deep", said Gabriel Selischi, member of OMV Petrom’s Executive Board, responsible for Exploration and Production. "We are committed to significant investment in the exploration, development and production of hydrocarbons to ensure Romania domestic oil and gas supply".

The Domino-2 well is located approximately 200 km offshore and is being drilled from the Ocean Endeavor rig in a water depth of about 800 m.

The successful progress of the Neptun Deep Block would encourage positive economic and social benefits through the development of the offshore sector, local infrastructure, employment opportunities and advanced technology application.

ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania and OMV Petrom each hold 50% of the deepwater sector of the Neptun Block.

Neptun Block (deepwater sector)

The Neptun Block deepwater sector covers an area of approximately 7500 km² in water depths ranging from 100 - 1700 m. ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania Limited and OMV Petrom signed an agreement in November 2008 for ExxonMobil to acquire a 50% interest in the deepwater sector of the Neptun Block. In 2012, ExxonMobil and OMV Petrom announced the Domino-1 exploration well encountered natural gas in the deep water sector of the Neptun Block. The Domino-1 well was located 170 km offshore in water about 1000 m deep.

Adapted from press release by Cecilia Rehn

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/21072014/exxonmobil-and-omv-petrom-commence-drilling-in-the-romanian-black-sea/