88 Energy Plc (LON:88E) has said drilling of the ‘production hole’ will start imminently in the Charlie-1 well on Alaska’s North Slope.
The company, in a statement, revealed that operations encountered a minor weather related delay but surface casing has now been set and cemented in the well so that the next phase of the well drilling can now begin.
It noted that ‘logging while drilling’ results are expected once the well’s total depth has been reached and initial analysis has taken place – presently that it is anticipated in early April.
READ: 88 Energy tests conventional acreage in Alaska
88 Energy told investors that the Covid-19 coronavirus has had no impact on the drill programme to date, and, that appropriate measures have been put in place.
The well spud on 2 March and the well is due to be drilled down to around 3,500 feet.
The well programme is partnered with Premier Oil PLC (LON:PMO) which is largely funding the venture that aims to test a potentially significant discovery previously unearthed by BP back in the 1990's.
Malguk-1 was the original discovery well, with oil shows over multiple horizons, though it was not tested at the time due to complications at the end of the programme.
The Charlie well aims to intersect up to seven stacked prospects, which are together estimated to host some 1.6bn barrels of prospective resources.
Premier is covering the well costs up to US$23mln, via a farm-out agreement.