trader8888, rob's comments are relevant to CTP on the basis that...

trader8888, rob's comments are relevant to CTP on the basis that the utilization of hunt rig 2 to drill Ooraminna for the upcoming programme has been an option. The rig has been sitting at Kulgera since completion of the last campaign but as the market has now started to turn and exploration activity back on the increase it was only a matter of time until it was contracted.

Although the rig market is much better than it was say 2007, there has been in general, a shortage of suitable rigs in this country. Most are 20 years old and clearly a fraction as efficient as modern rigs. Although HR2 was not the most ideal rig to be using, it was at least an option for the 09 campaign, predominantly for the drilling of Ooraminna and not so much Magee or Johnstone.

But - that's not to say LKO getting HR2 is a problem to the campaign as Hunt rig 4 is due to arrive in the country shortly, and there will be a window of opportunity for central to utilise it prior to it arriving in the officer. In addition to this there are several others which are quite possibly more capable and reliable than that of HR2 but ideally imho, CTP should be looking to firm up a period to lock one in as quality rigs will go quickly as the market turns.

It would be nice in due course, to see CTP purchase one of the NOV rapid rigs (or similar). Something with limited crew & load requirements, able to test the deeper plays of the HVS etc and be able to accelerate the campaign.

RAPID RIG Link for anyone that's interested(had posted this 12 months ago aswell).

http://www.nov.com/featuredTechnology/rapidRig/video.asp