JAPEX to consider further exploration in Hidaka area

Japan Petroleum Exploration (JAPEX) has completed the exploratory drilling at offshore Hidaka area of Hokkaido, Japan, using the Ensco 8504 drilling rig. As a result, JAPEX will further consider the possibility of exploration in the area.

The drilling started on April 13, 2019, and it was completed on Friday, August 2, 2019.

As previously reported, the Ensco 8504 semi-submersible drilling rig was hired by JAPEX for a one-well contract. Estimated duration of the contract was from April until July 2019. Bassoe estimated that the rig’s dayrate for this contract was $140,000.

The operation of exploratory drilling is a part of the offshore exploration project commissioned by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (ANRE).

The location of the exploration well is at approximately 50 kilometers offshore of Hidaka area of Hokkaido with the water depth of approximately 1,070 meters. The well was drilled to a depth of approximately 2,530 meters below the seabed, in support of the understanding and cooperation from the local community and local government.

JAPEX said on Friday that, while various geological data were obtained through the operations, production test was also conducted against the gas reservoir where indications of natural gas existence was recognized, and achieved stable gas production.

JAPEX will conduct analysis and evaluation of the data obtained this time, and will further consider the possibility of exploration opportunity in this area, the company concluded.

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