Exploring Northwest Kuparuk, part two in a series

Kay Cashman, PNA publisher & managing editor

Operator Pioneer Natural Resources and partner Armstrong Oil and Gas (Armstrong Resources in Alaska) have finished drilling their first well, Ivik 1, at the Kuparuk Northwest prospect offshore Alaska’s North Slope.

The other two wells Pioneer plans to drill this winter, Oooguruk 1 and Natchiq 1, are expected to spud between March 14 and March 18.

Nabors Rig 27E has been moved from the Ivik ice island to the Oooguruk ice island. Nordic Calista’s Rig 3 is on its way to the Natchiq ice island. (See related news item in Oil Patch Insider, page 19.)

The Northwest Kuparuk prospect, which consists of 10 leases and is adjacent to the former Kuukpik unit, is in the shallow waters of the Beaufort Sea between Thetis Island and the Kuparuk River unit.

Ice roads for the project were all built by Peak Oilfield Service Co., with the exception of the road from Ivik to Oooguruk, which was built by Alaska Interstate Construction. Peak and Catco built the Ivik and Natchiq ice islands and AIC built the Oooguruk island.

Armstrong Vice President Stu Gustafson told PNA March 12 that Pioneer is “entering the evaluation phase on Ivik” and “anticipates completing all downhole operations by March 31. Going with a second rig (Nordic 3) insures meeting our drilling commitment to the North Slope Borough and the state. Hopefully, good news will follow.”