Noble Energy is to start drilling on Aphrodite 2 offshore Cyprus in the next two weeks, according to partners on the project.
Delek Group, whose subsidiaries Delek Drilling and Avner are partners on Aphrodite in Block 12, said the work, appraisal drilling, would take about four months. It will be using the Ensco 5006, previously known as the Pride North America, semisubmersible drilling unit, owned by Ensco.
The well, with a drilling budget of about $117million, could be used as a production well in future, said Delek.
The depth of the well is expected to be about 1750m, and planned final depth drilling is approximately 5600m below sea level.