Update on TUI Drilling Project

The drilling project is currently on target to commence drilling in June

with an expected duration of about 110 days. At this stage, 3 sidetrack

wells are planned, but Tamarind continues to look at the potential to

drill a fourth sidetrack well, depending on the results from the initial

3 wells.

The rig, the COSL “Prospector”, will be used to drill

the sidetrack wells. This rig is different from that originally proposed

by COSL (the HYSY 982) and was formally changed in early 2019 to

accommodate a request from the rig contractor (COSL). The “Prospector”

is a sister rig to the HYSY 982 and this change represents no material

difference to Tamarind’s proposed activities. Further to the information

within Tamarind’s Impact Assessment, further information and evidence,

provided at the Hearing apply equally to the COSL “Prospector”.

The rig is currently in transit from Norway to New Zealand and, following a

voyage of approximately 120–130 days, will reach the well site location

at Tui in late May or early June - depending on weather conditions

during the voyage. The rig is a self-propelled vessel and will transit

to NZ under its own power. All necessary biosecurity cleaning and

clearances were completed prior to the rig’s departure. NZ-based crew

will be joining the rig as it transits from Norway to NZ, with the first

group of NZ crew due to join the rig in Las Palmas, Canary Islands.