You're reading: Shell plans to start drilling first appraisal well in Kharkiv region in September

Kharkiv - Shell and Ukrgazvydobuvannia plan to start jointly drilling the first appraisal well in Pervomaysky district of Kharkiv region by the end of September in order to explore gas reservoirs in the fall, the head of Shell in Ukraine, Graham Tiley, told journalists on Friday.

Tiley said he still hopes that the two companies will begin drilling in September. However, he was unable to provide specific dates, citing the complexity of the process. For example, Shell and Ukrgazvydobuvannia recently came up against major delays due to heavy rain, he said.

Shell will not begin until it is convinced that the work can be performed safely. Therefore, it has employed its drilling experts from other countries to inspect everything for safety and determine whether or not drilling can commence. If they deem it necessary to make additional preparations, Shell will absolutely do so before starting, Tiley said.

As reported, Shell is planning to spend about $200 million under a contract for joint activities with Ukrgazvydobuvannia on drilling three appraisal wells to explore gas reserves in the Kharkiv region. According to Tiley, such is the beginning stage of appraisal and exploratory work. If the project is successful, it will cost more.