Beach Energy has moved the Transocean Equinox to the Yolla 1 well in Australia’s Bass Basin for the final plug-and-abandonment operation in its offshore campaign.
The 1,640-ft semisubmersible completed phase two of Beach Energy’s Otway Basin programme during the quarter ended 30 June 2026. The rig has been operating for the Zenith Energy consortium on work for Beach Energy, Amplitude Energy, Woodside, and ConocoPhillips offshore Australia.
At Thylacine West 1, intervention work restored incremental production from previously suspended Waarre reservoirs. The Transocean Equinox then completed the Artisan 1 well, meeting the conditions of the VIC/L35 sale agreement with Amplitude Energy.
Beach Energy has decided not to drill and complete the La Bella 2 development well or proceed with a subsea tie-in to the Otway Gas Plant.
In the Bass Basin, Trefoil 1 was plugged and abandoned shortly after the quarter ended. The work was completed in line with schedule and budget.
The rig subsequently mobilised to Yolla 1, where the final plug-and-abandonment well is underway. Completion of the well will end Beach Energy’s participation in the Transocean Equinox campaign.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Brett Woods said the Otway Basin work had concluded, including the Thylacine West 1 intervention and completion of Artisan 1. He also confirmed that the Trefoil 1 abandonment had been completed and that the campaign remained within budget.
The Transocean Equinox is expected to remain employed by the Zenith Energy consortium into late 2026. The rig is also scheduled to begin a separate contract with Santos in Australia in the second quarter of 2027. The contract has an estimated duration of 90 days.
