Shell files for permit to drill potential Prelude FLNG resource

The Hague-based LNG giant is lining up potential tie-backs to its Prelude FLNG facility offshore Australia with plans to drill the Bratwurst-1 exploration well in the Petroleum permit AC/P64.

The Bratwurst-1 exploration well will be located within the Northern Browse Basin in Commonwealth Waters with a water depth of approximately 155 meters.

Drilling is planned to be carried out by a semi-submersible rig, Shell said in its filing to the Australian National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).

Shell noted in its plan that if significant gas/condensate volumes are discovered during this campaign, there is a future potential for a tie-back to the Prelude FLNG facilities.

The floating LNG unit located approximately 160 km southwest of the approximate well location, kicked off LNG production at the end of last year. It is designed to produce 3.6 mtpa of LNG, 1.3 mtpa of condensate and 0.4 mtpa of LPG for export.

Drilling is proposed to commence as early as mid-2019, and NOPSEMA aims to complete its assessment by February 20, 2019.