BP plans West Gwydyr winter exploration well

Kristen Nelson

BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. is planning a winter exploration well in the west Gwydyr Bay area north of the Prudhoe Bay field. In a plan of operations submitted to the state in September, BP said it formed a partnership with ARCO Alaska Inc. and Exxon in 1995 to explore the Gwydyr area, where a number of wells have been drilled beginning in 1969. No fields large enough or close enough to infrastructure to warrant development have been found.

Pete’s Wicked #1, drilled in 1997, tested the hydrocarbon potential of the eastern Gwydyr area. The West Gwydyr #1, planned for this winter season, will explore the west Gwydyr area, BP said.

The well will be drilled some six miles north of S pad in the Prudhoe Bay unit and four miles east of K pad in the Milne Point unit. The surface lease, at 3-12N-12E,UM, is owned by BP, ARCO and Exxon. The site is onshore approximately 23 air miles northwest of Deadhorse and three miles from the Beaufort Sea coast. Access will be via an ice road from S pad.

BP said it will begin ice road and ice pad preparation Dec. 1, mobilize a development rig from Prudhoe Bay operations Jan. 1 and spud the well Jan. 10. Drilling and testing activity will be completed by May 1 and by mid-May or tundra closing BP will demobilize equipment.