E&P Highlights: Oct. 28, 2024

From lofty goal-setting in Brazil to a drillship arriving offshore Namibia, below is a compilation of the latest headlines in the E&P space.

Activity headlines

CNOOC Brings Shallow-water Field Onstream Ahead of Schedule

Production began at CNOOC Ltd.’s Xijiang 30-2 Oilfield Xijiang 30-1 block development project on Oct. 21. The project, which began production ahead of schedule, is located in eastern South China Sea, in 98 m of water.

The main production facilities include a new drilling production platform and 23 development wells to be commissioned. The project is expected to achieve a peak production of approximately 26,000 boe/d in 2027.

CNOOC is operator and holds 100% interest in the project.

Petrobras to Boost Tupi Field Output to 1 MMbbl/d by 2027

Petrobras plans to bring oil production at its Tupi oil field back to 1 MMbbl/d by 2027 as it plots new investments in the asset, Petrobras E&P Director Sylvia dos Anjos said Oct. 24.

Located in deep waters offshore, Tupi is Brazil's top producing oil field but has declined from previous heights of 1 MMbbl/d to 832,600 bbl/d. 

To achieve production goals and discover new oil and gas prospects, Petrobras is also set to drill 25 new wells in the Campos Basin, also located in the southeastern waters of Brazil.

Saipem Drillship Arrives at Galp Energia’s Namibia Mopane Discovery

Galp Energia has begun a second exploration and appraisal campaign at its high-profile Orange Basin block offshore Namibia, the company announced Oct. 23.

Saipem’s Santorini drillship arrived at Galp Energia’s Mopane discovery site in Namibia on Oct. 23. Part of the Orange Basin in Petroleum Exploration License 83 (PEL 83), the Mopane Field is estimated to hold at least 10 Bboe.

Located at blocks 2813A and 2814B of PEL 83, the Mopane 1-A appraisal well is the first of an up to four-well program potentially consisting of two exploration wells and two appraisal wells.

The exploration spree in Namibia will continue with at least four drilling campaigns, including projects by TotalEnergies and Chevron, set to begin before the end of the year following several significant discoveries in the Atlantic waters.

Galp operates PEL 83 with an 80% stake in the license. State-owned Namcor and Namibia-based Custos each hold 10%. Sintana Energy, which holds acreage across offshore Namibian, holds a 49% interest in Custos.

Contracts and company news

Viridien and SLB Complete Data Acquisition Offshore Australia

Viridien and SLB have completed the acquisition of a new multi-client survey in the Bonaparte Basin, offshore of Australia, the companies said Oct. 24.

The survey deployed Sercel Sentinel MS multi-component streamers and the Sercel QuietSea marine mammal monitoring system. The complex geological area has been historically challenging to image due to the presence of carbonates and shallow water. The data is currently being processed and the final data will be available in the second quarter of 2025. The new survey will provide modern, high-quality data over an area lacking recent, or any, 3D data.

Miros Acquires Full Ownership of Miros Mocean

Miros AS has acquired full ownership of Miros Mocean AS from its joint venture partners, BW Group and Copenhagen Commercial Platform.

The acquisition, announced Oct. 23, enhances Miros’ ability to provide real-time ocean insights.

Miros focuses on understanding how weather affects vessel performance by digitizing local ocean conditions. Miros uses the data for an accurate overview of vessel performance and efficiency in real-time, throughout the lifetime of a vessel.

Halliburton Releases iCruise Force Rotary Steerable System

Halliburton unveiled its iCruise Force motorized rotary steerable system on Oct. 22.

Powered by mud motors, the system enhances efficiency with expanded rig capabilities and extended drilling depths in complex formations. Operators are able to hit faster penetration rates, lower drilling costs and achieve more precise wellbore placement.

The iCruise Force, when coupled with Halliburton's LOGIX automation and remote operations platform, facilitates more accurate steering and superior control. It also helps operators mitigate non-productive time and streamline the well construction process.