WestSide to Expand Meridian Field to Supply More Gas to GLNG

WestSide, the operator of the Meridian gas fields near Moura in Queensland’s southern Bowen Basin, said that the first phase of the field’s expansion is on track to start within one month when drilling commences on the first well of a six-well program.

WestSide’s Managing Director Mike Hughes said the Phase 1 well program, involving six new production wells, would incorporate extensive recommended improvements in drilling procedures and practices to maximise drilling and production success.

“Wells will be drilled, lined and completed in a single seam and drilled in areas where there is good knowledge of faults and depth control to enable a high confidence of drilling in-seam using global best practice steering techniques,” Hughes said.

Key contracts for drilling, directional drilling services, cementing, completions, wireline logging, well-head and connection facilities and civil earthworks have all now been awarded.

WestSide has contracted with Silver City Drilling, PathFinder Directional Drilling Services (part of Schlumberger drilling company) and Superior Energy Services for the critical drilling activities.

“The combination of our strong in-house expertise with this skilled group of contractors provides WestSide with the requisite depth of experience and confidence to ensure the success of the Phase 1 Well Program,” Hughes said.

WestSide and joint-venturer, Mitsui E&P Australia plan to expand the Meridian gas field to supply increasing volumes of gas to GLNG from 2015. Under the terms of the sales agreement, up to 65 Terajoules of gas per day will be supplied from Meridian to GLNG over 20 years at an oil-linked gas price.

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