88 Energy seismic program underway

Kristen Nelson

Petroleum News

Australian-based 88 Energy Ltd. said Feb. 14 that its Icewine 3-D seismic program on the North Slope got underway Feb. 7. The land-based seismic survey is on state land some 12 miles west of the Dalton Highway and covers some 200 square miles.

The company said the focus of the program is principally across the western play fairway, “where the opportunity exists to mature and test multiple stacked conventional objectives with one well” and said others have had drilling success on the North Slope over the last four years using 3-D seismic data “to delineate and map similar stratigraphic/structural conventional targets.”

The seismic shoot is estimated to take some 45 days, the company said.

The objective of this year’s acquisition and interpretation effort “is to mature the conventional portfolio with a view to select one or more drilling candidates for the 2019 season,” the company said, with results expected this fall, “which will facilitate a planned farm-out prior to year-end on the drilling program.”

88 Energy also noted it has largely completed permitting for two potential drilling locations “allowing for prompt execution of the proposed 2019 drilling program.”

Accumulate Energy Alaska, 88 Energy’s local operating company, received Alaska Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Oil and Gas approval for a lease plan of operations for the Bravo No. 1 and Charlie No. 1 exploration wells on Feb. 5.

- KRISTEN NELSON