Oil exploration off Kollam coast to begin in October

KOLLAM: Oil exploration led by Oil India is set to begin off the Kollam coast this October, following the detection of minor fuel potential during a seismic survey conducted using an exploration vessel three years ago. If hydrocarbon presence is confirmed, drilling operations will follow.

The exploration site is located 48 kilometres offshore, where a well will be drilled to a depth of 6,000 metres beneath the seabed. Large pipelines will be used to assess fuel potential. A contract for a jack-up drilling rig is expected to be finalised within a month, and the shore service contract will be signed by June. A risk assessment study will also be conducted soon.

The jack-up rig, which is stabilised by extending long legs to the seabed, was chosen for its ability to quickly relocate to a secondary site if the first well yields no hydrocarbon presence. Although the contract may be signed earlier, the actual drilling will commence in October due to the time required to mobilise the jack-up rig, Oil India officials stated.

Seven-month contract for exploration

Oil India Limited has secured a contract from the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons to conduct exploration in 17 offshore blocks identified as having fuel potential, ranging from Kanyakumari to Ernakulam. The contract for the Kollam offshore block spans seven months, with a provision for a further seven-month extension if necessary.

Though the exploration will be conducted off the Kollam coast, shore-based support operations will be coordinated from Kochi Port. Equipment and materials required for the operation will be transported from Kochi to Kollam.