Kupe production drilling completed and Momoho-1 well to drill next

Operator Origin Energy said the last of the three production wells Kupe South-7 had been completed as a sidetrack KS-7 ST1 into the Farewell Formation reservoir.

Wireline logs and the 5 inch liner have been successfully set and cemented in the well.

Origin said the completion phase of the three wells has now been initiated starting with KS-7 ST1 where, the completion tubing and down-hole monitoring equipment will be installed before moving to KS-8.

Origin said Momoho-1 will target a complex structural high situated between the Kupe South 4 non commercial gas discovery, 2.5 km to the northwest and the Kupe South 5 non commercial oil discovery, 1.2 km to the southeast.

Momoho-1 will be drilled to a total depth of approximately 3,150 m with primary reservoir targets in both the Farewell and Puponga Formations.  Farewell, the main hydrocarbon bearing zone at the Kupe field, is expected to be intersected at a depth of approximately 2,850 m.

If Momoho-1 is a commercial discovery it is possible that a development may be able to be connected to the Kupe platform.  Drilling is planned to begin in May.  After the well, the Ensco 107 jackup rig will be released to OMV for drilling of Maari oil field.

Commenting on the Momoho drilling, Kupe gas project director Peter Ashford said: “There are never any guarantees with this kind of exploration, but we believe the Momoho prospect could have the potential to extend the Kupe gas supply with significant benefits for the region and for New Zealand.”