Exploration group Tullow Oil said today its Ketch-7 well in the North Sea has come on-stream and is currently producing 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), although its NW Schooner appraisal well has been suspended following disappointing test results.
The start of production at the wholly-owned Ketch-7 well brings output capability for the Schooner and Ketch area to over 100 mmscfd, Tullow said.
The NW Schooner well, of which Tullow owns 90.35 per cent, tested at a flow rate of just 7.5 mmscfd, 'significantly below expectations', indicating that the area is connected to the main Schooner field, the company said.
Meanwhile, a second Ketch development well, Ketch-8, is currently being drilled and is scheduled to come on stream in January 2007.