StatoilHydro delineates Nucula discovery

Norway: StatoilHydro completed the drilling of an exploration well on the Nucula discovery in the Barents Sea offshore Norway.

The well confirmed a small oil column in sandstone of the Triassic age. The oil-bearing layers were thin, but showed good production properties. The exploration well was not formation tested, but data has been gathered to be able to evaluate the size and extent of the find. StatoilHydro said that it is too early to reach a conclusion on the size of Nucula. Preliminary calculations would suggest that the resource basis lies in the lower region of the original estimation, which was 211.88 MMcfe to 423.76 MMcfe. “We will now evaluate the size of the find and further development opportunities for Nucula,” said StatoilHydro’s Head of exploration activities in the far north Geir Richardsen. Transocean semisubmersible Polar Pioneer drilled the exploration well, 7125/4-2, in StatoilHydro-operated production license (PL) 393 approximately 68 miles (110 km) east-northeast of the Goliat discovery in the Barents Sea. Drilled in 965 feet (294 m) of water, the well was concluded in early Triassic rocks at a vertical depth of 5,666 feet (1,727 m). The well has been permanently plugged and abandoned. This is the second well in PL 393, which was awarded in the 19th licensing round in 2006.

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Drydocks may invest in more rigs, vessels

Drydocks World may consider investing in more rigs and vessels on order from its shipyards in Singapore and Indonesia in anticipation of an upswing in newbuild demand after the current economic downturn.

Drydocks’ Graha yard in Batam, Indonesia, is planning to build two jackup rigs on speculative orders. The shipbuilder has ordered the drilling equipment and expects to start work on the new units in next March and June. Deliveries are scheduled for the end of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, according to Managing Director of Drydocks – Graha and Nanindah Mark Biggs. Biggs said the yards have received expressions of interest for newbuild jackups from clients based in Mexico, northern Europe and the Middle East. The final contracts however, may have been slow in materializing due to the current financial crisis. Prior to the investment in these jackup rigs, Drydocks has also invested directly or indirectly in offshore support vessels, according to Biggs. Drydocks holds stakes in Polarcus’ seismic vessels now undergoing construction at its Dubai facility. The shipbuilder also owns indirect interests in two 260-man jackup accommodation units under construction at its Graha facility through equity holding in Norwegian Master Marine ASA.

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Kohler Launches Commercial Marine Generator

Kohler Power Systems presents a new line of diesel-powered marine generators, and is expanding its product offering to include a new 350 and 500kW option.

Available for orders are a total of 10 Kohler diesel marine generators engineered specifically for the commercial/workboat market. The 40-500 kW (at 60 Hz) and 33-400 kW (at 50Hz), are powered by EPA Tier 2 compliant engines.  The 40-180kW range is available in both 12- and 24-volt specifications, while the 350 and 500kW are available in the 24-volt specification. Kohler commercial marine generators are designated as EOZC (60Hz) and EFOZC (50Hz) models. The Kohler 40, 55, 65, 80, 99, 125, 150 and 180kW marine generators are powered by Deere Powertech engines, while the new Kohler 350 and 500kW generators are powered by Scania engines. All Kohler models feature a one-side serviceability of the fuel system, lubrication system, seawater pump and air cleaner. Offered as standard equipment are Kohler controllers, and a brushless, rotating field alternator with PMG that provides field power for improved motor starting and sustained short-circuit current support.

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