Shell’s Bulgarian offshore well comes to nothing

Noble Globetrotter II drillship / Image source: Total Bulgaria
Noble Globetrotter II drillship / Image source: Total Bulgaria

Shell has failed to find oil at its Khan Kubrat-1 exploration well in the Black Sea offshore Bulgaria.

The Anglo/Dutch oil major started drilling in April using the Noble Globetrotter II drillship,  in the water depth of 1200 meters.

Australia’s Woodside, Shell’s partner in the block, has revealed that the well did not result in a commercial discovery.

In its quarterly presentation last week Woodside said the well had reached target depth in late May 2019 with non-commercial hydrocarbon shows in target reservoirs.

“The well was plugged and abandoned as planned. Further studies are being undertaken to inform future activities in the block,” Woodside said.

According to previous reports, the total targeted well depth was expected to be 3,327 meters.

Also, AIS data shows that the Noble Globetrotter II has left the Black Sea and is now nearing the Bahamas, on its way to the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

The rig has a contract with Shell until early September 2023, with a flexible dayrate. Noble has revealed that the drillship will earn a dayrate based on a market index or the established floor of $275,000, whichever is higher. Dayrate will be adjusted every six months until completion of the contract.

Offshore Energy Today Staff


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