Business
Operational Update
Operational Update.
About this update from Rockhopper Exploration Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n RNS Number : 2872U Rockhopper Exploration plc 13 October 2010 \n \n\nRockhopper Exploration plc \n13 October 2010 \n \nNOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, SOUTH AFRICA OR JAPAN\n \n \nRockhopper Exploration plc\n(\"Rockhopper\" or the \"Company\")\n \nOperational Update - Sea Lion 14/10-2\nRockhopper Exploration plc (AIM: RKH), the North Falkland Basin oil and gas exploration company is providing an update on a number of operational and strategic developments since its AGM on 30th September 2010. \nExploration\nThe recent successful flow test at Sea Lion has validated the potential for commercial oil in the North Falkland basin and has significantly enhanced the prospects for the Company. The Company is now preparing to progress its operational programme which will include appraising the Sea Lion discovery, shooting additional 3D seismic across the extent of the North Falkland Basin and drilling further exploration and appraisal wells on its Northern acreage. The Company is pleased to announce that a number of highly attractive new targets have been determined. \nDiamond Offshore Drilling (UK) Limited, the owners and managers of the Ocean Guardian semi-submersible drilling unit, which is operating in the Falkland Islands and is currently engaged in the drilling campaign, has recently made a proposal to Rockhopper, at Rockhopper's request, for a continuation of the drilling campaign under a new rig contract consisting of a possible three firm wells and five options extension. The execution of any such contract with Diamond Offshore Drilling (UK) Limited would be subject both to the deposit by the Company into an escrow account of significant funds sufficient to cover the day rate and other obligations and to agreement on a form of contract acceptable to both parties.\nFurthermore, the Company has entered into two letters of intent with a seismic contractor to acquire additional 3D seismic using two separate vessels. The Company intends to enter into contracts to procure both vessels shortly and, if it does so, it expects that work will begin before the end of January 2011 to allow Rockhopper to better analyse the Sea Lion sandstone fans, as well as allowing more deta...