Orca contracts shallow-water rig for Songo Songo offshore Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – Orca Exploration Group has started the first phase of the Songo Songo development program offshore Tanzania.

This follows World Bank’s approval for International Finance Corp.’s (IFC) investment.

Orca has entered into a drilling contract with Paragon Offshore for
the use of its M826 mobile drilling workover rig and associated services
for the offshore phase of the Songo Songo gas field program.

The rig can operate in the shallow water operating environment around
Songo Songo Island, which Orca describes as “somewhat unique.” 
However, the company still needs to obtain certain regulatory and
contractual approvals related to certain aspects of the development
program.

Drilling should start between Aug. 1 and Sept. 21. The contract has a minimum 90-day duration.

Operations will likely include workovers (removal and replacement of
production tubing strings) on the existing SS‑5, SS-7 and SS-9 wells,
and drilling of one new well, SS-J. Orca has the option to drill a
further two wells, pending the outcome of the workovers.