Dhaka: The process is underway to procure two rigs for the Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) to expedite gas exploration activities. 'We've finalized a proposal to purchase two modern exploration drilling rigs,' Petrobangla Chairman Md Abdul Mannan told BSS here today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, BAPEX currently has five rigs-Bijoy-10, Bijoy-11, Bijoy-12, Bijoy-18, and IPS-1. After procuring the two proposed rigs, the total number of rigs will stand at seven. A Petrobangla official mentioned that the evaluation process is underway for the procurement of a 2,000-horsepower rig, while a Detail Project Proposal (DPP) is being prepared for the procurement of another rig with a capacity of 1,500 horsepower. The official also noted that after the DPP is finalized, it will be sent to the Planning Commission for approval.
Meanwhile, the government has planned to strengthen the state-owned BAPEX and accelerate domestic gas exploration as part of broader efforts, recognizing BAPEX's success story. The gas exploration company has been working to drill various wells, including development wells and workover, to boost gas production from domestic sources.
Additionally, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a proposal from the state-owned exploration company to drill one appraisal-cum-development well and two exploratory wells to enhance the domestic natural gas supply. The Begumganj-5 appraisal-cum-development well will be drilled to a depth of about 3,550 meters, the Begumganj-6 exploratory well to about 3,400 meters, and the Sunetra-2 exploratory well to about 5,300 meters, with subsequent testing and completion subject to gas discovery.