The Topaz Driller rig that will perform the drilling headed to Montenegrin waters on March 7 and is expected to arrive at the site where the works will be carried out in the next 7 days, Montenegro's capital investments ministry said.
A logistics base has been established in Bar port, where most of the material that will be used during drilling has been delivered, the ministry said.
Eni and Novatek completed 3D seismic surveys at the end of 2018 and the collected data was processed the following year.
In early 2020, geomechanical testing of soil was completed in order to determine the properties of the seabed.
In September 2016, Montenegro signed a concession contract with the Eni-Novatek consortium for the development of exploration blocks 4118-4, 4118-5, 4118-9 and 4118-10 with a total area of about 1,200 sq. km located in Montenegrin territorial waters.
Each company participate in the concession with a 50% share, and Eni was appointed as the Operator.
