Reliance Industries has suspended drilling of a well in its D3 block in the Krishna Godavari basin, as the rig, which was on hire from Transocean, developed problems.
A drillship of Transocean deployed in the Gulf of Mexico had exploded last month, causing a huge oil leak.
Hardy Oil and Gas, which is RIL’s partner in the KG-D3 block said there were “unresolved mechanical issues” with Transocean’s rig “Deepwater Expedition” which was drilling an exploration well in the block. RIL, which is the operator, holds the majority 90 per cent stake in the KG-D3 block; Hardy holds the rest.
“The KGV-D3-W1 exploration well (in D3 block) has been temporarily suspended due to unresolved mechanical issues associated with the blow out preventer (BOP) of the deepwater expedition drilling rig,” Hardy Oil said in a statement.
Hardy CEO Yogeshwar Sharma said: “In the interest of safety, the D3 joint venture has taken the considered decision to suspend the W1 well. The operator — RIL — is working towards mobilising an alternative rig at the earliest.”
The well, Hardy, said, will be re-drilled using an alternative deepwater rig. It did not say what would be the fate of deepwater expedition drilling rig.
{{/usCountry}}The well, Hardy, said, will be re-drilled using an alternative deepwater rig. It did not say what would be the fate of deepwater expedition drilling rig.
{{/usCountry}}A Reliance Industries spokesperson refused to comment on the issue.
US-based Transocean's Deepwater Horizon had exploded on April 20, killing 11 people and causing a leakage in a well leased by British Petroleum (BP).