Halliburton Wraps Up 1st HZ Shale Well in Argentina for Apache

- Halliburton Wraps Up 1st HZ Shale Well in Argentina for Apache

Thursday, August 18, 2011
Halliburton Co.

Halliburton has successfully executed the first horizontal, multistage hydraulic fracture shale gas completion in Argentina's Neuquén Basin for Apache. Halliburton provided all major well construction and completion services for the project, resulting in the successful delivery of South America's first horizontal and deepest shale gas well.

As global development of unconventional resources materialize, Halliburton is in the process of pre-positioning Unconventional Reservoir Solutions Teams around the world. These teams draw upon the extensive knowledge and experience garnered from Halliburton's unrivalled position in North America's unconventional reservoir development. Halliburton, chosen by Apache because of its Buenos Aires-based Unconventional Reservoir Solutions Team's expertise and understanding of the specific complexities of the Los Molles shale formation, placed 10 hydraulic fracture stages in the horizontal section at a depth of over 4,400 meters.

"Halliburton's ability to apply its expertise globally will assist operators to efficiently develop frontier unconventional reservoirs," said Roberto Munoz, vice president, Latin America Region, Halliburton. "With the third largest estimated unconventional reserves after China and the United States, Argentina's shale gas potential will benefit greatly from the application of these technologies."

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TWMA Wins 1st Offshore Contract in W. Africa

- TWMA Wins 1st Offshore Contract in W. Africa

Tuesday, August 16, 2011
TWMA

TWMA has won its first offshore service contract in West Africa, signifying its intention to expand its business in this important region.

The contract was awarded by AGR Petroleum Services and is worth around £1million over six months. It covers supply, installation and operation of an integrated drilling waste management solution.

TWMA will provide a range of solids control technologies to AGR for its drilling campaign in the Hyperdynamics' concession offshore the Republic of Guinea.

The drillship Jasper Explorer has been contracted by AGR, on behalf of Hyperdynamics, for this exploration project. It will leave Singapore where it is currently based for Conakry in Guinea later this month with drilling due to commence in August.

The service package, which includes cuttings dryers, centrifuges and pumps along with TWMA's field proven CCDS cuttings handling, storage and transfer system has been deployed from TWMA's facilities in Aberdeen, UK, and Egypt.

A crew of up to 15 technicians will be mobilized from Aberdeen to install the equipment on the drillship and a team will remain onboard for the duration of AGR's drill program.

Ronnie Garrick, managing director of TWMA, said, "West Africa is a priority region for our ongoing internationalization plans and this landmark contract offshore Guinea provides a basis for us to continue expanding our waste management services in the region.

"Our ability to provide a complete solids control package to AGR and deliver short mobilization times for projects worldwide sets us apart from other companies. We are delighted that AGR has chosen to work with TWMA again and look forward to this latest campaign.

"As we continue to strengthen and build relations in West Africa through a focused and dedicated resource for the region, we are confident of winning further new business for all our service lines."

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Drilling Commenced at Sunwing's 1st Mongolian Exploration Well

- Drilling Commenced at Sunwing's 1st Mongolian Exploration Well

Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Ivanhoe Energy Inc.

Ivanhoe and Sunwing announced that N16-1E-1A, Sunwing's first exploration well on its Nyalga Block XVI in Mongolia, spudded Saturday, August 13. As of Tuesday, the well has been drilled to 437m and surface casing has been run and cemented.

"This is an important step in our exploration program in Mongolia," said David Dyck, President and COO of Ivanhoe. "Given the results of our 2D seismic study, we are optimistic of the potential to discover oil resources in Mongolia."

The well is located on a structure approximately 32 km2 in size and will be drilled to a total depth of approximately 2500m. The well is being drilled by the Daqing Exploration Company and drilling of the well will take approximately 30 days, with completion and testing to be carried out as required. The Company intends to drill two wells on two separate structures, with the option to drill up to three additional wells in this initial exploratory program.

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Gulfmark to Drill 1st Eagleford Shale Well

- Gulfmark to Drill 1st Eagleford Shale Well

Friday, August 05, 2011
Gulfmark Energy Group Inc.

Gulfmark Energy announced its wholly owned subsidiary, Gulfmark Resources, Inc., has filed for drilling permits with the Texas Railroad Commission and intends to drill its initial test well on its 4,261 acre Kiefer Lease in Zavala County, Texas, upon permit approval. The Kiefer lease is situated in the northwestern portion of the oil window of the Eagleford Shale trend of South Texas. Gulfmark intends to drill vertically through the Escondido, Olmos, San Miguel, Austin Chalk and Eagleford Shale formations and will evaluate results by open hole logs and core samples. The Company's primary objective is to penetrate the Eagleford Shale and plans to drill horizontally approximately 3,000 to 4,000 feet upon reaching this prolific shale play.

Michael Ward, President and CEO, stated, "With recent discoveries within the Eagleford Shale formation, we are very excited to begin our development drilling program and increase our shareholder value. With success through the drill bit, we hope to expand our horizons and fully exploit the resources that lie within our leasehold."

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Diaz Cases 1st Lloydminster Well

- Diaz Cases 1st Lloydminster Well

Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Diaz Resources Ltd.

Diaz Resources has successfully drilled and cased the Lloyd HZ 105/15-18-48-1W4 well. This is the first of four horizontal Lloydminster heavy oil wells which Diaz plans to drill in the 3rd quarter of 2011.

The Lloyd HZ 105/15-18-48-1W4 well encountered 709 meters of oil saturated porous sand in the Lloydminster zone. Based on geological samples, the reservoir section encountered in this well appears to be of higher quality than the existing offset Lloyd HZ 100/15-18-48-1W4 well, which has produced over 18,000 barrels of oil, to date.

The second well, in the current Lloydminster drilling program, Lloyd HZ 106/15-18-48-1W4, began drilling on July 30, 2011. Both wells are anticipated to be on production in approximately 2 weeks time, after the drilling rig has moved off the production lease site.

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Solimar to Open 1st Zone in Guijarral Hills Flow Test Prog.

- Solimar to Open 1st Zone in Guijarral Hills Flow Test Prog.

Friday, May 27, 2011
Solimar Energy Ltd.

Solimar announced that flow testing operations using the Orchard Petroleum Rig #2 will commence in the next 24 hours when the deepest zone selected for testing will be perforated and opened for flow into the well bore.

Perforations will be made between 10,370 feet and 10,380 feet within the Lower Gatchell Sandstone and then flow tested to determine whether commercial production is feasible.

The perforations are being restricted to a preferred 10 foot interval although additional potential hydrocarbon pay may be present in the Lower Gatchell Sandstone based on the wireline log data. Initial results from the Gatchell test may be reportable by late next week.
Background to Testing Program

The program will test selected intervals within the following 3 formations:

Formation	Perforation Interval (feet)
Leda Sandstone	8,533-8,540
Lower Avenal Sandstone	9,962-9,982
Lower Gatchell Sandstone	10,370-10,380

The three intervals to be tested have all been productive in the adjacent Guijarral Hills oil and gas field. Each of the zones were characterized by increased shows of hydrocarbons recorded while drilling and anomalies on wireline logs. Petrophysical analysis indicates hydrocarbon pay is present however the flow testing program is necessary to determine whether the hydrocarbon saturations and reservoir quality will support commercial rates of flow.

A total potential net pay estimate of over 135 feet in six separate zones was previously announced for the well. The zones that have been selected for testing are those deemed most likely to provide a definitive series of tests. If successful then the likelihood will be increased that other zones identified with potential pay can also be successfully tested.

Testing of each reservoir will involve perforation of the designated intervals followed by periods of flow and shut in to measure flow rates, pressure response and evaluate fluid properties. The sequence will involve testing of the deepest interval (Lower Gatchell) first and then working up the well as necessary to the shallower intervals.

The testing program cost for the three intervals has been budgeted at approximately US $530,000 although final costs will depend on results and whether these necessitate further procedures such as fracc stimulation.

ASX listed partners in the Guijarral Hills project, at post drill equities will be:

• Solimar Energy LLC (Operator) 35%
• Neon Energy Limited (ASX: NEN) 15%

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Dynamic Offshore Seals Deal for 1st KFELS Jackup

- Dynamic Offshore Seals Deal for 1st KFELS Jackup

Monday, May 23, 2011
Keppel Corp. Ltd.

Keppel FELS has secured a contract with Vision Drilling Pte Ltd (Vision Drilling), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dynamic Offshore Drilling Limited (Dynamic Offshore Drilling), to build its first KFELS B Class jackup drilling rig for US $180 million.

Slated for delivery in 1Q 2013, the rig will be able to operate in water depths of 350 feet with a drilling depth of 30,000 feet and accommodate 120 men.

Dynamic Offshore Drilling has the option to build an additional rig to be exercised before 3Q 2011.

Mr. Naresh Kumar, Chairman of Dynamic Offshore Drilling, said, "While this is Dynamic Offshore's first collaboration with Keppel FELS, we are no strangers to its excellent project execution and dedication to safe, on-time and within-budget deliveries. My team and I have previously worked very closely with the Keppel FELS team on two KFELS B Class jackup rigs which have been deployed under long term contracts with strong day rates with a Fortune 500 National Oil Company.

"After the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, oil companies around the world prefer newbuild premium rigs with enhanced safety features and equipment reliability. With over 60% of the current Jack up fleet over 25 years old, it is an impetus for us as experienced drilling contractors to invest in premium high quality jackups with the world's leading shipyard. We are looking forward to build a number of rigs with the strong partnership of Keppel FELS in the years to come".

Mr. Wong Kok Seng, Managing Director of Keppel FELS, added, "We are glad to be working with familiar partners. Mr. Kumar is highly respected in the industry and Dynamic Offshore Drilling is backed by a recognised team of professionals.

Customers come to us because of our award winning products, excellent execution of projects and our commitment and ability to deliver rigs of the highest standards. In building their first rig to our KFELS B Class design, we are pleased to be able to support them in meeting the market requirements of newer rigs with superior technical and safety capabilities."

With 33 such units delivered worldwide, the KFELS B Class design continues to be the preferred jackup choice for drilling operators.

John Gellert, President of Seacor Marine LLC ("Seacor") and Board Member of Dynamic Offshore Drilling said, "Seacor is pleased to be a part of the project as an investor and joint venture partner in Dynamic Offshore Drilling. With the long term rising demand for premium jackups, we are looking forward to the development of the company (Dynamic Offshore Drilling)."

Dynamic Offshore Drilling's rig is equipped with enhanced features to expand the operational coverage of the rig. Provisions have been made for the rig to work in high pressure high temperature (HPHT) environments and have Offline Stand Building capabilities.

Developed by Keppel's technology arm, Offshore Technology Development, the KFELS B Class jackup design provides maximum uptime with reduced emissions and discharges. Its environmental-friendly features won the KFELS B Class design the prestigious Engineering Achievement Award from Institution of Engineers Singapore in 2009.

The above contract is not expected to have a material impact on the net tangible assets or earnings per share of Keppel Corporation Limited for the current financial year.

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Shell to Develop World's 1st Floating LNG Proj.

- Shell to Develop World's 1st Floating LNG Proj.

Friday, May 20, 2011
Royal Dutch Shell plc

Shell's final investment decision announced to proceed with the development of its Prelude Floating LNG Project will deliver billions in economic benefits and put Australia on the map as a world leader in this cutting-edge technology.

Analysis indicates Prelude will add over $45 billion to Australia's GDP, create around 1,000 jobs, contribute $12 billion in tax revenues, spend $12 billion on Australian goods and services and improve Australia's balance of trade by at least $18 billion over the 25-year life of the project.

The facility will be the largest floating structure ever built and will be used to develop both the Prelude and Concerto fields in the Browse Basin about 475km north-northeast of Broome.

Welcoming the announcement in Perth, the Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, congratulated Shell on its decision which reflects continued confidence in Australia as an investment destination for major projects.

"Today's announcement by Shell comes after many years of hard work to get this project off the ground," Minister Ferguson said.

"It opens the doors to countless new opportunities both here in Australia and around the world to use new technology that makes it more economical to develop remote deposits.

"Floating LNG technology can unlock petroleum resources that are either too far from existing infrastructure or too small to develop via a conventional LNG project and has the added benefit of a smaller environmental footprint.

"This project will also be Shell's first upstream development in Australia as operator and I welcome their intention to invest even further here in coming years.

"It is also important not to lose sight of the longer term benefits Prelude will deliver. In addition to the jobs, increased revenue and opportunities for local companies it will create, Shell will also use Prelude to offer training, education and research opportunities in Australia.

"Australia is already the world's fourth-largest LNG exporter. This year we forecast our LNG exports to be worth more than $8 billion. Projects like Prelude put us securely on the road to becoming the world's second-largest exporter of LNG in the near future."

The Commonwealth Government has granted environmental approvals for Prelude. The project will be subject to strict environmental conditions to ensure any environmental impacts are managed and minimised.

Shell's final investment decision announced to proceed with the development of its Prelude Floating LNG Project will deliver billions in economic benefits and put Australia on the map as a world leader in this cutting-edge technology.

Analysis indicates Prelude will add over $45 billion to Australia's GDP, create around 1,000 jobs, contribute $12 billion in tax revenues, spend $12 billion on Australian goods and services and improve Australia's balance of trade by at least $18 billion over the 25-year life of the project.

The facility will be the largest floating structure ever built and will be used to develop both the Prelude and Concerto fields in the Browse Basin about 475km north-northeast of Broome.

Welcoming the announcement in Perth, the Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, congratulated Shell on its decision which reflects continued confidence in Australia as an investment destination for major projects.

"Today's announcement by Shell comes after many years of hard work to get this project off the ground," Minister Ferguson said.

"It opens the doors to countless new opportunities both here in Australia and around the world to use new technology that makes it more economical to develop remote deposits.

"Floating LNG technology can unlock petroleum resources that are either too far from existing infrastructure or too small to develop via a conventional LNG project and has the added benefit of a smaller environmental footprint.

"This project will also be Shell's first upstream development in Australia as operator and I welcome their intention to invest even further here in coming years.

"It is also important not to lose sight of the longer term benefits Prelude will deliver. In addition to the jobs, increased revenue and opportunities for local companies it will create, Shell will also use Prelude to offer training, education and research opportunities in Australia.

"Australia is already the world's fourth-largest LNG exporter. This year we forecast our LNG exports to be worth more than $8 billion. Projects like Prelude put us securely on the road to becoming the world's second-largest exporter of LNG in the near future."

The Commonwealth Government has granted environmental approvals for Prelude. The project will be subject to strict environmental conditions to ensure any environmental impacts are managed and minimised.

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American Eagle Energy Spuds 1st HZ Bakken Well

- American Eagle Energy Spuds 1st HZ Bakken Well

Thursday, May 19, 2011
American Eagle Energy Inc.

American Eagle Energy has spud its first horizontal Bakken development well in the Hardy Field (Bakken Formation) of Southeast Saskatchewan. Proposed merger partner Eternal Energy Corp., as well as Passport Energy Ltd., are working interest partners in the well. The Hardy S 1A4-16-4B4-9-04-21W2 is the initial earning well for the farm-out agreement among the companies.

The new well is located approximately one-half mile west of American Eagle's current Hardy 7-9 producing well (owned equally with Eternal Energy) and has a projected total depth of 3,515 meters with a lateral section in the Bakken Formation of about 1,370 meters. A multi-stage fracture stimulation is planned for the completion of this new well.

Pursuant to the previously announced agreement among the three companies, American Eagle and Eternal Energy will each maintain a 37.5% working interest in the new well, but each will only pay 30.75% of its drilling, completing and equipping costs.

"American Eagle is pleased to be able to secure a rig early in the drilling season so that we can get this development work initiated," stated Richard Findley, the Company's Chief Executive Officer. "This well is an important component of the Company's 2011 capital program, as we continue to build cash flow and a solid reserves position and to develop our significant inventory of Bakken well locations in both the Williston and Southern Alberta Basins."

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Buccaneer Spuds 1st Alaskan Well

Buccaneer Spuds 1st Alaskan Well

Monday, April 18, 2011
Buccaneer Energy Ltd.

Buccaneer announced the Kenai Loop # 1 well spud on Friday, April 15, 2011. This is a milestone for the Company as it is the first well drilled by the Company in Alaska and comes just over 12 months since the initial acquisition of leases in Alaska was finalized.

At 8:00 AM Monday, April 18, drilling operations for the well had been successful in reaching 3075 feet, the designed surface casing point, preparations are being made to log this surface interval. On completion of logging surface casing will be set before commencement of drilling the next interval.

The next interval includes the Beluga Formation, one of several target objectives for the well. The Total Depth (TD) of the Kenai Loop # 1 well is 10,500 feet. The well is currently on schedule and expected to take approximately another 20 days to reach TD.

Breitling Spuds 1st Shallow Gas Field in Ok.

Breitling Spuds 1st Shallow Gas Field in Ok.

Thursday, April 07, 2011

Breitling O&G Corp.

Breitling has spud the Breitling-Yardeka #1 in McIntosh County, Oklahoma on the northern edge of the Arkoma Basin. The Yardeka #1 is the first well to be drilled in Breitling's newly developed gas field in the Basin. There are two major objectives within the prospect, the Jefferson Sand at 3450' and the Upper Gilcrease Sand at 2300'. Secondary objectives include the Spiro Sand at 2800', The Booch Sand at 1600' and the Bartlesville Sand at 1150'.

The initial test well will be a 3500' Jefferson Sand test. The Jefferson Sand is an excellent reservoir which is found productive on localized structural closures. Subsurface mapping on the Wapanucka Limestone indicates a possible northwest to southeast trending structural ridge over the Breitling-Yardeka prospect. Within this structural ridge there are several structural closures, three of which have produced from the Jefferson.

Management anticipates the well will reach total depth in about 4 days. Well completion and testing on the Breitling-Yardeka #1 well should begin during the third week of April 2011.
Breitling Oil and Gas CEO Chris Faulkner stated, "We have good well control in the area and these shallow sands are productive on all sides of us." Faulkner added, "The field directly to our Southeast has produced over 6 BCF of gas."