The Singleton X12 development well onshore UK will be suspended after incurring technical downtime due to equipment failures and downhole mechanical issues, which impeded planned operations within rig contract limitations, Providence Resources Plc reported.

These issues led to an inability to successfully run casing through the overburden above the field at the original X12 southwest flank well, which was landed in the top of the main reservoir interval within the pre-drill depth prognosis. After a number of attempts to run casing, the well was ultimately drilled to an alternate location in an attempt to alleviate these unresolved problems.

The main Singleton Jurassic carbonate reservoir interval was again encountered on prognosis, with mud logs confirming it to be hydrocarbon bearing. Overburden mechanical issues and equipment failure continued to impact these subsequent operations.

Given the now significantly prolonged program period, a decision was taken to temporarily suspend the well, given the time restriction conditions outlined in the approved planning consents, together with the rigs contractual availability period. Accordingly, the KCA Deutag T49 rig will demobilize to its next operator, once suspension operations conclude.