Oz Cooper Mobilises Rig to Offshore Otway Basin

Australian explorer Cooper Energy July 29 announced that the semi-submersible drilling rig Ocean Monarch, operated by Diamond Offshore, has commenced mobilisation from the Gippsland Basin to the Otway Basin where it is to drill two offshore gas exploration wells.

The wells, Annie-1 and Elanora-1, will be the first offshore gas exploration wells drilled in the Otway Basin, offshore Victoria, in seven years, it said. Cooper Energy (operator and 50% interest holder) and Mitsui E&P Australia (50% interest) are drilling the wells to identify new sources of gas supply for south-east Australia.

Cooper said commercial discoveries resulting from the programme can be developed through connection to the companies’ existing Casino Henry gas operations from 2021.

The Ocean Monarch is expected to arrive on location at the Annie-1 well-site, 9 km offshore Peterborough, around July 31.