Italy's Eni is evaluating responses from the market for three vessels to support its wildcatting operations early next year in the frontier Angoche basin offshore Mozambique.

The Milan-based major has also approached the market for two helicopters for the drilling programme.

Expressions of interest were submitted by the end of last year for two platform supply vessels and an anchor handling tug supply vessel for the drilling of the Raia-1 probe in Area A-5A.

Eni may drill a second well depending on the results of Raia-1.

Late last year, the operator issued an inquiry for a drillship for a potential two-well campaign.

The expected spud date of the well is in the first quarter of next year, with the operator expecting the vessel contractor to be ready to begin work by December, with the one-well operation expected to last no more than 90 days.

The PSVs and AHTS will carry drilling materials, equipment, cargo and supplies between Pemba port and Area A5-A.

Each PSV must be at least 80 metres long and less than 21 years old, with a minimum deck area of 600 square metres.

The AHTS must carry out activities related to standby, oil spill response and well seismic data acquisition operations. It must have been constructed since 1999, with a deck area of at least 400 square metres.

After a two-year delay, the probe will be drilled in waters of at least 1900 metres and to well depths beyond 4500 metres.

The 12-seater (excluding crew) helicopters — one primary, plus one backup — will likely be based at Nacala port.

The successful contractor must be ready to operate by November for a firm minimum contract of two months, with possible extension options for further two periods of two months each.

Area A5-A lies off the districts of Angoche and Larde in Nampula province.

Eni has a 34% stake in the tract and is partnered by Qatar Petroleum and Sasol — each with 25.5% interests — and state-owned ENH on 15%.

Exploration

Mozambique wildcat: Eni eyes contractors for Raia-1 probe in Angoche basin