Upstream July 20, 2007

ExxonMobil is gearing up to start exploration work next year on its Surumana block in the Makassar Strait off Indonesia, writes Amanda Battersby.

The operator is pre-qualifying contractors for a drillship for two firm wells and one optional well on Surumana under a firm 126-day deal expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2008. ExxonMobil wants a drillship with DP3 dynamic positioning that is able to operate in water depths of 2500 metres and drill to a depth of 7000 metres.

It is also tendering for a 2D high-resolution, deep-water, low-frequency multi-beam echo sounder seismic survey at its Surumana and Mandar blocks off Central and West Sulawesi. A contract covering the data acquisition, processing and interpretation is on offer, with ExxonMobil is looking for the survey to be carried out in the fourth quarter this year.

A separate contract is on offer for a deep-water 3D seismic survey in the Mandar block area, which is also intended to start in the fourth quarter.

The company was awarded Mandar in Indonesia's 2006 tender round.

ExxonMobil has a 100% operating stake in the 4200-square kilometre southern Makassar basin block, where water depths range from the coastline to more than 2000 metres.

The Surumana block, which ExxonMobil won last year, covers 5339 square kilometres.