Awilco plan hits setback

By Rob Watts

 24 February 2012 01:36 GMT

AWILCO Drilling’s semi-submersible WilHunter has yet to resume work for MPX Energy on an appraisal well on the Orlando field, after mechanical problems prompted the use of blowout preventer shear rams to cut through drilling pipe.

Awilco said in a stock exchange announcement that repair work on the semisub had been completed, but that it was unable to re-start drilling due to poor weather and “well operational difficulties”. The well had not reached the reservoir at the time of theincident on 18 January.

The problems were caused by a bearing failure in the rig’s travelling block and were not related to well-control issues.

Orlando is in Block 3/3b of the UK northern North Sea.

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