Austrian energy company OMV is preparing to start offshore and onshore drilling campaigns in New Zealand as it seeks to boost production from its Pohokura and Maui gas fields.

Both programmes are scheduled to start in the first quarter of next year.

The offshore campaign is based on multiple wells at the mature Maui field using the jack-up drilling rig Valaris 249, an LT Super Gorilla design rig built in 2002.

OMV has contacted the rig from January 2022 until February 2023, and the rig is currently mobilising to New Zealand from the UK.