UltraStar winter drilling may be deferred

Jim Weeks, the managing member of UltraStar Exploration LLC, told the Alaska Division of Oil and Gas in a Nov. 5 email that “there is a high chance that UltraStar’s drilling plans for the North Dewline No. 1 well will be deferred until the first quarter of 2013.”

Weeks said all drilling rigs, crews and management teams are committed to other operators. If UltraStar were to drill this winter season the company would have to mobilize a rig from either Canada or the Lower 48 and winterize it.

Weeks said UltraStar has applied for all permits except those specifically related to the rig and a drilling permit.

He asked that, if possible, the division continue processing UltraStar’s permits, because, he said, drilling plans can change at the last minute, “and a rig could become available on extremely short notice that could be used for our one well program.”

—Petroleum News