Ithaca buoyed by final Stella test well results

Oil and gas firm Ithaca Energy today reported successful flow rates from its fifth and final development well in the North Sea Stella field.

The Aberdeen-based explorer and producer said the Ekofisk well achieved a flow rate of more than 8,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd).

The five Stella wells that have been drilled have achieved a combined maximum clean-up flow test rate in excess of 53,000 boepd, which Ithaca said “significantly de-risks” the initial annualised production forecast for the Greater Stella Area hub, which is expected to begin production in the second quarter of next year.

Chief executive Les Thomas said: “We are very pleased to have delivered another successful flow test on the fifth and final well in the Stella development drilling programme.

“We are also encouraged that there is further upside potential for reserves development in the Ekofisk formation.”