Emperor Energy has submitted a revised Environmental Plan for its Judith-2 appraisal well and is advancing drilling preparations, including securing contractors and negotiating the Valaris-107 rig contract for a late Q1 2027 start.
- Revised Environmental Plan submitted to NOPSEMA
- Key drilling support tenders released and contractors selected
- Valaris-107 drill rig contract negotiations in final stages
- Judith Gas Field holds 166 Bcf 2C contingent and 1,859 Bcf prospective resources
- Drilling planned for late Q1 2027 offshore Gippsland Basin
Revised Environmental Plan Submitted for Judith-2 Well
Emperor Energy (ASX:EMP) has taken a significant step forward by submitting a revised Environmental Plan (EP) for the Judith-2 appraisal well to NOPSEMA. This follows an extensive process addressing all regulatory feedback, with the company confident that final approval is imminent. The EP revision incorporated detailed input from service providers and response plans, reflecting a thorough approach to environmental and safety considerations offshore Victoria.
Progress on Drilling Preparations and Contractor Selection
The company is advancing well engineering and planning, having secured long lead-time equipment such as the surface wellhead and conductor casing. Emperor Energy has released tenders for essential drilling support services including mudlogging, directional drilling, and wireline logging. Contractors for a site geophysical survey, scheduled for August, and well flow testing have been selected, marking clear progress in operational readiness.
Valaris-107 Drill Rig Contract Nears Finalisation
Negotiations with Valaris for the Valaris-107 jack-up drill rig are entering their final stages. The rig, currently operating in the Gippsland Basin, is confirmed available for the planned late Q1 2027 drilling campaign. Securing this rig is critical, as it aligns with the company’s timeline to appraise the largest undeveloped conventional gas field on Australia's East Coast.
Significance of Judith Gas Field Resources
The Judith Gas Field, fully owned by Emperor Energy within the Vic/P47 permit, holds a substantial resource base. Independently assessed figures show 166 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of 2C contingent recoverable gas and 1,859 Bcf of P50 prospective recoverable gas. These estimates underpin the strategic importance of the appraisal well, which aims to confirm commercial viability and advance development plans in a tightening East Coast gas market.
Looking Ahead to Drilling and Development
With regulatory hurdles nearing clearance and operational contracts falling into place, Emperor Energy is positioning itself for a busy start to 2027. The upcoming geophysical survey and flow testing will provide critical data ahead of drilling. While the final contract with Valaris is not yet signed, the company’s confidence and preparatory work suggest the Judith-2 well will proceed as planned, potentially unlocking a significant gas resource for the region.
Bottom Line?
Emperor Energy’s methodical progress on environmental approvals and contracting signals a well-advanced campaign for Judith-2, but final rig contract and NOPSEMA approval remain pivotal near-term milestones.
Questions in the middle?
- Will NOPSEMA grant final approval without further conditions or delays?
- How will the final terms of the Valaris-107 rig contract impact project economics?
- What will the upcoming geophysical survey reveal about seabed hazards or shallow gas risks?