In September, Houston-based Anadarko committed to test drilling the first of potentially two deep-water oil and gas wells off the coast; costing $50 million to $100 million in total.
Anadarko has contracted a new drill ship, the Noble Bill Douglas, to come to New Zealand for its maiden drilling programme, beginning with one hole off Oamaru in November or December next year, before shifting to another prospect in Taranaki. Depending on the earlier results, it may then return to Canterbury.
Anadarko has relinquished the first permit to Government permitting agency New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals, but increased its stake in PEP 38264 by adding 6000sq km of the relinquished permit, which now totals 17,492sq km.
Anadarko corporate affairs spokesman Alan Seay said the 6000sq km addition to PEP 38264 included where the Carrack and Caravel prospects lie, in about 1100m of water.
Alongside 50:50 joint venture partner Origin Energy, Mr Seay said the two tracts were combined to "streamline" the permit holding and relinquishing some of acreage of the first permit had not been a financial consideration.
In August, New Zealand Oil & Gas relinquished its permit to drillthe Barque prospect off the coastof Oamaru, having been unable to find a buy-in partner to assist with costs.
Tenders closed earlier this month for 23 onshore and offshore blocks around the country, with an announcement expected in mid-December.
