Rig demob complete at Icewine

Demobilization of the Arctic Fox drilling rig from the Icewine No. 2 well on Alaska’s North Slope is complete, 88 Energy Ltd. said in a June 6 statement. The well reached its target depth of 11,450 in mid-May. The company said the stimulation design for the well has been completed based on a logging program tailored to optimize location of perforations for the stimulation design and an application for stimulation submitted. That work is planned to begin about June 17, 88 Energy said, with production testing planned for late June, early July.

Artificial stimulation and production testing are geared to resolve current uncertainties, the company said, including whether complex artificial fracture systems can be created within the HRZ.

“These complex fracture systems are evident in the best performing shale plays as they result in maximized stimulation rock volume, which directly impacts potential flow rates,” the company said.

Australian-based 88 Energy’s U.S. operating subsidiary, Accumulate Energy Alaska Inc., holds North Slope acreage in partnership with Burgundy Xploration.

The Icewine No. 1 well was completed in December 2015; drilling at the Icewine No. 2 appraisal well began in the second quarter of this year.

- KRISTEN NELSON