The Santos/GDF Suez joint venture known as Bonaparte LNG has begun drilling the first appraisal well in its bid to prove reserves for the floating LNG development project in the Tern, Petrel, and Frigate gas fields off the Western Australian and Northern Territory borders in the Bonaparte Gulf.
Petrel-7, within Petrel field in retention lease NT/RL1, is being drilled by semisubmersible rig Stena Clyde. The well is to be drilled to a total depth of 3,930 m. Three tests are expected.
A final investment decision for the proposed 2 million tonnes/year FLNG project is expected in 2014. GDF Suez has 60% interest and operatorship. Santos has 40%.