88 Energy begins clearing works at Icewine ahead of flow-test

Following a period of inactivity, AIM-quoted oil explorer 88 Energy was scheduled to recommence testing at its second Alaskan drilling project on 11 June.

88 has begun site clearance works Icewine#2, removing snow and ice from the Franklin Bluffs gravel pad to enable access to the wellhead where pressure gauges will be retrieved from downhole for data analysis to determine if any reservoir degradation could be observed, something that could require "remedial action".

Test equipment will be mobilized to the site ahead of the scheduled 10-to-14-day flow testing programme set to take place on 11 June.

Elsewhere, 88's recently acquired 3D seismic results at both Project Icewine and its Yukon Gold leases were said to be "progressing as per schedule", with results of both expected to be received by the end of 2018.

Dave Wall, 88 Energy's managing director, said, "The team remains busy on several fronts; however, focus is now clearly on the imminent recommencement of production testing at the Icewine#2 well."

As of 0930 BST, 88 Energy shares had collected 2.99% to 2.39p.