The Operator of the Deepwater Tano Cape Three Points (DWT/CTP) block offshore Ghana, Aker Energy has entered into contracts with four firms for the drilling of the Pecan-4A appraisal well in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The contracts were formally awarded to Maersk Drilling, PMD Viking Ghana Limited, Halliburton Ghana Limited and Exceed Well Management Ghana Limited at a signing ceremony in Accra.

 “We are pleased to achieve this key milestone that will enable us to commence drilling of the important Pecan-4A appraisal well”, Mr. Jan Arve Haugan, CEO of Aker Energy, said at the signing ceremony.

According to him the main objective of the well is to test the extension of the Pecan Field.

“This will provide valuable and important input in optimising the Plan of Development for the field and in understanding the wider potential of the block,” he added.

Drilling in ultra-Deepwater

The drilling contract with Maersk Drilling, according to a statement released by Aker Energy is for one firm well, Pecan-4A, and two optional wells.

The Deepwater drillship Maersk Viking, built in 2014 with state-of-the-art facilities and systems, will perform the drilling in a water depth of 2,674 meters.

The drillship is currently in the Gulf of Mexico and will imminently set sail from the US to Ghana for operations to commence in Q4 2018.

“Maersk Drilling is very pleased to support Aker Energy and the license partners, building upon our operational track record in Ghana and our strong relationship with the Aker Group”, said Morten Kelstrup, CCIO of Maersk Drilling.

The contract for Maersk Viking marks the company’s third rig operating in Ghana.

Mr. Kelstrup assured his firm has a strong commitment to local job creation and competency development.

He said the joint venture with Prime Meridian Docks, PMD Viking Ghana will be providing local services in connection with the operation.

Service contracts

Halliburton Ghana Limited will provide drilling support and well services based on the contract with Aker Energy while, Exceed Well Management Ghana Limited will handle well design and management.

The globally renowned oil and gas suppliers have teamed up with indigenous Ghanaian partners in accordance with regulations and with a clear ambition to develop local industrial capacity.

Aker Energy Ghana Ltd., a subsidiary of Norwegian-based oil exploration and production firm, Aker Energy AS, is the operator of the Deepwater Tano Cape Three Points block (“DWT/CTP”) with a 50 percent participating interest in the license.

It aims to become the offshore oil and gas operator of choice in Ghana.