Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 21, Jadestone Energy, a Singapore-based oil and gas company listed on AIM, has announced successful initial flow testing results from the Skua-11ST development well at the Montara field, located in the Timor Sea, approximately 690 kilometers west of Darwin, Australia. The testing, which began in early August 2025, revealed oil production rates exceeding expectations.

Montara field's FPSO

The Skua-11ST well achieved initial production rates surpassing 6,000 barrels per day, significantly above the anticipated 3,500 barrels per day. After stabilizing at 4,400 barrels per day on a 40% open choke, the well’s performance prompted the restart of other subsea wells in the field. Drilling operations, conducted using the Valaris 247 jack-up rig, started in April 2025 following the rig’s arrival in late March. The well is equipped with downhole inflow control devices to optimize reservoir sweep and enhance long-term recovery from the Montara field.

T. Mitch Little, Chief Executive Officer of Jadestone, stated: “We are pleased to report the strong initial flows from the Skua-11ST well, which will meaningfully contribute to higher production from Montara, underpinning our revised 2025 production guidance which was upgraded in July. The increase in production will also reduce Montara unit operating costs and extend field life by approximately one year.”

The Montara project, wholly operated and owned by Jadestone, includes the Montara, Skua, and Swift/Swallow fields. Oil from these subsea wells flows through pipelines to an unmanned wellhead platform and then to the FPSO Montara Venture, which serves as the central hub for the fields. The enhanced production from Skua-11ST supports Jadestone’s efforts to improve efficiency and extend the operational life of the Montara asset.

Jadestone is focused on expanding its production portfolio through organic growth, including developments like Nam Du/U Minh in Vietnam and the Puteri cluster offshore Malaysia, as well as strategic acquisitions. The company aims to increase gas production by optimizing existing brownfield developments, leveraging its expertise in managing mature oil assets.

The success of the Skua-11ST well strengthens Jadestone’s position in the offshore oil and gas sector, contributing to higher output and improved cost efficiency at the Montara field. This milestone supports the company’s broader strategy to deliver sustainable energy solutions while meeting global demand.