Operator Apache was drilling the Bambra-6 well from the Harriet Bravo Platform. Bambra-6, which was spudded on 23 August, failed to connect up with the Bambra-5H development well. It will now be plugged and abandoned, according to Tap Oil Limited managing director Paul Underwood.

“This will not affect the Bambra-5H well which was completed within the Bambra reservoir and which will be used in the forward development of the field,” Underwood said.

“The drilling of a long-reach development well path from the Harriet Platform by combining two shorter reach wells was an innovative attempt to develop the Bambra Field quickly and at a potentially lower cost. Whilst the end result is disappointing, this innovative method of development was conducted as research and development and the economic impact will be minimised by concessional tax treatment.”

Production rate expectations remain unchanged with first production from the field now estimated to occur in the middle of 2005.

The joint venture is now considering several options for completing the development of the field, including a sub sea completion of the Bambra-5H well with sub sea pipelines to the Harriet Bravo Platform.

Harriet Joint Venture Participants: Apache Energy Limited (Operator) 68.5%, Tap Oil Limited 12.2229% and Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd 19.2771%.