Press Releases

GAIL's rig reaches Bay of Bengal

New Delhi, December 27, 2005. GAIL (India) Limited’s Drilling Rig “Ekha” has reached the drill site for the first well in Block- 26. With the contracted offshore Jack-up Drilling Rig reaching Bay of Bengal, the drilling program by GAIL along with Consortium partner Gazprom of Russia in Bay of Bengal has started. With spate in E&P activities, rig availability has been extremely tight with most offshore rigs contracted out for months together.

The block NEC – OSN – 97/1 is located in offshore Bay of Bengal, 120 km from onland base at Haldia. The first well at a water depth of 45 m, is proposed to be drilled to a depth of 2,400 m below the sea bed. The well is expected to be spud in another 4-5 days time and it is expected to take one month to complete the well.

The block is considered to be highly prospective with an expectation of Multi TCF gas potential. Extensive study of 2D/3D seismic was carried out by the consortium and international experts prior to the mobilization of rig. The block had been awarded to GAIL-Gazprom consortium in NELP-I round.