“On two occasions in the last month we have mobilised our geological team to commence the drilling program and both times we have been advised by [White Sands] that technical problems with the rig have stalled the spudding of the wells,” Gippsland Offshore Petroleum said yesterday.

“These technical issues are persisting and Gippsland Offshore Petroleum Limited is working with our contractor to resolve them as well as seeking alternatives.”

Chief operating officer Cathy Norman told EnergyReview.net that the company had a possible replacement driller lined up for late August but it would prefer to start drilling with White Sands well before than.

“We may have a breakthrough with the technical problems before then,” Norman said.

It is understood that the rig in question is a new high-tech units that White Sands recently imported from Europe.

Patrobus-1 and Banjo-1 will test the oil and gas migration and trapping in a newly identified sub-basin and anticlinal structure.

The two stratigraphic wells are the flagships for GOP’s onshore exploration program and were originally scheduled to be drilled during January.

Unfortunately the drilling contractor lined up as back-up then lost its crew who quit after six months in the bush and went to another employer.

“I don’t think I should name the company, but from what I hear their rig is still sitting unmanned in rural Victoria,” Norman said.

GOP has had better news with offshore Gilbert-1 well scheduled for late September using the Ocean Patriot semi-submersible rig.

“Contractors have been secured for the geological logging and on-board services and final preparations are underway,” Norman said.

GOP will earn a 51% interest in the Gilbert Block of VIC/P47 through the drilling of Gilbert 1.