The company today said it had entered into an agreement with Ensign International Energy Services, which will mobilise an ADR 100 rig from North America.
Metgasco said the ADR rig is one of the most advanced drilling rigs to be used in Australia and will be the only one of its type employed in CSM drilling in Australia.
Managing director David Johnson said the ADR rig would provide the company with the capability to “substantially improve” its drilling productivity.
“The ADR should improve our cycle time per well and therefore allow us to drill and complete a greater number of wells in the same period,” he said.
“This next-generation equipment is also capable of delivering significant improvements in safety and well design.”
The rig will also be capable of drilling to sufficient depths, allowing the company to test a number of conventional targets on PEL 16 and associated farm-in acreage.
The drilling program is due to begin in August and will initially involve a six-well pilot production program for the Stratheden Joint Venture in northern NSW and a two-well pilot production program for the Casino Gas Project in Victoria.
