Start of drilling Rubin-1 well on Han Asparuh Block in Bulgaria’s Black Sea
Drilling operations for the second offshore exploration well on Block 1-21 Han Asparuh commence
Sofia, September 23, 2017. Total E&P Bulgaria is pleased to announce the start of drilling of the second exploration well on Block 1-21 Han Asparuh named Rubin-1. This deepwater well is located in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Bulgaria in the Black Sea, approximately 90 km away from the nearest coastline and 14 km northeast of the first well Polshkov-1.
This operation is mobilising the same drillship, Noble Globe Trotter II (GT II), as for the first campaign. The logistics support continues to be provided from Port Lesport, Varna and the same supply vessels and helicopters are being deployed.
Drilling operations for Rubin-1 are expected to last until early 2018 and will bring additional information to further assess the hydrocarbon potential of the Han Asparuh Block.
Following the successful completion of the Polshkov-1 well in September 2016, this drilling marks an exciting and important milestone for our operations in the Black Sea and demonstrates our commitment to this challenging exploration project.
Total E&P Bulgaria, along with its partners, OMV Offshore Bulgaria GmbH and Repsol Bulgaria B.V. are proud of having executed the first exploratory drilling with the highest technical and operational standards and remain focused on operating responsibly, safely and efficiently offshore of Bulgaria.
About Total Exploration and Production in Bulgaria:
Total E&P Bulgaria B.V. (Bulgaria Branch) is a subsidiary of Paris-based global energy group Total S.A. Total’s Exploration & Production division is responsible for oil and natural gas exploration, development and production activities in more than 50 countries around the world. Total, together with partners Repsol and OMV, started the Han Asparuh project in July 2012. The area of the block covers 14,220 sq km. Total E&P Bulgaria B.V. has been the operator of the block since April 2014.
In October 2016 Total announced the identification of oil in the Polshkov-1 well, confirming the presence of a working petrolеum system in the Han Asparuh Block.
Along with exploration activities in Bulgaria, Total is also active in the supply and marketing of lubricants through its subsidiary Total Bulgaria EOOD.
About Noble Globetrotter II:
The Noble Globetrotter II is a latest generation Dynamic Positioning drillship, owned and operated by Noble Drilling Holding LLC. Incorporating modern drilling technologies, it has a Dual Derrick Multi Purpose Tower that allows simultaneous operations and easy passage through the Bosphorus. The GT II has an excellent safety record and has drilled in Black Sea in 2015 and 2016.
For further information on the activities of Total E&P Bulgaria, please contact:
Vassia Nikolovska
Legal and Corporate Affairs Adviser
Tel.: + (359) 2 904 7003
Email address: [email protected]