Cairn enters Barents Sea exploration

Cairn Energy has farmed in to the Statoil-operated Ensis prospect in the Barents Sea, marking a new entry into the Barents region for Cairn. 

Statoil is drilling a well on Ensis at the moment - well 7125 4-3 - in production license 393, which was due to spud in September this year, using the Transocean Spitsbergen semisubmersible drilling rig (pictured). Read more: Ensis drilling approved

Cairn said in total it has seven exploration and appraisal wells lined up over the next 12 months. See below. However, the firm also said it was looking to assess its organizational structure, to reduce costs. The firm is also waiting the result of a tax dispute in India. 

Cairn is a partner on the Premier Oil operated Catcher field development (30% WI) and the EnQuest operated Kraken heavy oil development (25% WI). Cairn said first oil was targeted for mid-2017 on Catcher. The company said the Kraken development was progressing on schedule with first oil expected 2016/2017. Drilling on the Kraken west well is due to start in Q3/4 2014. 

Cairn is involved in seven exploration and appraisal wells over the coming 12 months:

• Drilling is ongoing on the FAN-1 well, in Senegal, following which operations will re-start on the SNE-1 well.
• In the Barents Sea, Statoil is drilling on Ensis. 
• In the UK North Sea, drilling on the non-operated Aragon well is underway. 
• Plans are underway to source a rig for the Spanish Point appraisal well in 2015, subject to the necessary approvals; 3D seismic acquisition in the area is ongoing
• 5100sq km of 3D seismic is being acquired and one exploration well is planned to commence on the Cap Boujdour Contract Area in Q4 2014
• A number of further material contingent exploration wells, predominantly in the North Sea, will be subject to final investment decisions by partners during H2 2014