Five wells for Cosmo next year

BlueCrest Alaska Operating LLC is planning to drill as many as five wells or laterals at the Cosmopolitan project next year, according to a recent plan of development.

In August 2016, the local subsidiary of Texas-based independent BlueCrest Energy Inc. received an Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission drilling permit for the H-16 well. The company expects to request drilling permits for the H-14, H-14L, H-12 and H-12L wells and associated laterals early next year, according to the plan of development.

The drilling program will begin as soon as BlueCrest finishes building the BlueCrest Rig No. 1. The work is occurring on site and expected to be complete by the end of the year.

The rig is being designed for drilling extended reach wells from the onshore Hansen pad to offshore targets. As envisioned, the H-16 well would have a total vertical depth of 6,900 feet and a measured depth of 22,846 feet, reaching top production at 14,740 feet.

The H-14 well would have a total vertical depth of 6,900 feet and a measured depth of 23,032 feet, reaching top production at 15,023 feet. The associated H-14L lateral would have a total vertical depth of 9,900 feet and a measured depth of 22,713 feet, reaching top production at a total vertical depth of 6,880 feet and a measured depth of 14,735 feet.

The H-12 well would have a total vertical depth of 6,900 feet and a measured depth of 23,238 feet, reaching top production at 15,036 feet. The associated H-12L lateral would have a total vertical depth of 9,900 feet and a measured depth of 22,479 feet, reaching top production at a total vertical depth of 6,680 feet and a measured depth of 14,749 feet.

BlueCrest still intends to drill two disposal wells, although it is currently permitted for only one of those with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The company plans to drill the well after finishing the five-well development program.

The company also expects to begin engineering work on a water injection system for reservoir pressure maintenance at the offshore Cook Inlet field sometime in early 2017.

BlueCrest started oil production from the Cosmopolitan unit earlier this year but postponed plans for a corresponding natural gas development until the economy improves. The company is planning no offshore drilling or exploratory work in 2017.

- ERIC LIDJI