The Petroleum Licensing (Exploration and Production) (Seaward and Landward Areas) Regulations 2004

Commencement and abandonment and plugging of Wells

15.—(1) The Licensee shall not commence or recommence the drilling of any Well without the consent in writing of the Minister.

(2) The Licensee shall not abandon any Well without the consent in writing of the Minister.

(3) The Licensee shall ensure compliance with any conditions subject to which any consent under either of the foregoing paragraphs is given.

(4) If any such condition under paragraph (1) of this clause relates to the position, depth or direction of the Well, or to any casing of the Well or if any condition under either paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of this clause relates to any plugging or sealing of the Well, the Minister may from time to time direct that the Well and all records relating thereto shall be examined in such manner, upon such occasions or at such intervals and by such person as may be specified by the Minister’s direction and the Licensee shall pay to any such person or to the Minister such fees and expenses for such examination as the Minister may specify.

(5) The plugging of any Well shall be done in accordance with a specification approved by the Minister applicable to that Well or to Wells generally or to a class of Wells to which that Well belongs and shall be carried out in an efficient and workmanlike manner.

(6) Subject to paragraph (7) of this clause, any Well drilled by the Licensee pursuant to this licence shall be plugged and sealed in accordance with paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5) of this clause, not less than one month before the expiry or determination of the Licensee’s rights in respect of the area or part thereof in which that Well is drilled.

(7) A direction by the Minister may be given by notice in writing to the Licensee not less than one month before the Licensee’s rights in respect of the area or part thereof in which the Well is situate expire or determine so as to relieve the Licensee of the obligation imposed by paragraph (6) of this clause to plug and seal the Well.

(8) Any Well that, pursuant to a direction by the Minister under paragraph (7) of this clause, has not been plugged and sealed, shall be left in good order and fit for further working together with all casings and any Well head fixtures the removal whereof would cause damage to such Wells.

(9) All casings and fixtures left in position pursuant to paragraph (7) of this clause shall be the property of the Minister.