(a) the total amount spent on updating a rig for drilling in deep-water areas;
(b) its performance in technical terms against cost per metre drilling in comparison to similar category rig elsewhere;
(c) whether the technical performance was satisfactory; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) & (b): ONGC`s owned drill ship Sagar Vijay was upgraded from 300 meters to 900 meters water depth capability, in a public sector shipyard, M/s. Cochin Shipyard Limited. Cochin at a cost of Rs. 46.08 crores. After upgradation, the drill ship Sagar Vijay has so far drilled 7 wells in deepwater areas. The average cost per meter, based on the cost data of first 6 wells, is Rs. 2.27 lakhs per meter. For `like to like` comparison, published data is not available. However, some reports have indicated the cost of drilling in deep water in United States of America`s Gulf Coast to be in excess of US $ 1500 per foot, approx. Rs. 2.40 lakhs per meter.
(c): The upgraded drill ship has already drilled a well in the water depth of 880 meters in Western offshore, which has established its capabilities to the upgraded level.
(d): Not applicable in view of the reply to (c)above.