Osprey platform installation complete

Petroleum News Alaska Staff

Installation of the Osprey platform was completed Aug. 16 and Forcenergy Inc. expects the platform to be turned over to it by the installation contractor.

“The Osprey platform has been set. The installation should be completed even as we speak — today sometime,” Jim Arlington, land manager for Forcenergy’s Alaska division, told PNA Aug. 16.

Arlington said that Stolt Comex Seaway, the contractor hired by Forcenergy to install the platform, should be turning the platform over to the company later in the week. Once that happens, he said, Forcenergy can start moving equipment on to the platform and begin rig mobilization.

“We expect to begin the rig mobilization the first week in September and would expect to be drilling from the platform the first or second week in October.

Forcenergy is also set to begin an onshore wildcat exploration well, Arlington said. He said the company expects to spud a well at the Tomcat prospect on the West Forelands later this month. The Nabors Alaska rig that has been drilling for Forcenergy at the West McArthur River unit will be moved to drill the Tomcat well.