As part of its development well drilling program on the Northern Adriatic production field, INA has confirmed new natural gas reserves.
Crosco’s jack-up drilling rig Labin has drilled the first of two new development wells from the existing IKA-A production platform.
Operations at the IKA A-1 R DIR well have been completed, and at the beginning of December, testing commenced and is currently ongoing, during which hydrodynamic measurements will be conducted to determine the actual production potential. Test production began two months ahead of schedule, with a daily output of 120,000 m³ of natural gas, confirming the IKA A-1 R DIR well as the second most productive gas well operated by INA in Croatia. The gas produced during testing is routed through the existing production system and delivered into the Croatian gas system.
Newly developed reserves are estimated at around 220 million cubic metres of natural gas, equivalent to around 1.3 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE).
“The new development gas wells drilling in the northern Adriatic represent an important step in strengthening Croatia’s energy security. Investments in domestic natural gas sources are crucial considering global challenges in the energy market. The project reflects INA’s continued efforts aimed at increasing domestic production capacity”, said Josip Bubnic, Operating Director of Exploration and Production at INA.
Work is ongoing on the second well, IKA A-4 R DIR, which is expected to be completed with potential production start in the first quarter of 2026. Operations on both wells include the abandonment of existing mother wells with depleted reservoirs and side tracking to reach reservoirs that have so far not been part of production. After the necessary technical adjustments, both wells will be tied into the existing production infrastructure on the IKA-A platform.
The drilling operations on IKA A-1 R DIR and IKA A-4 R DIR mark INA’s entry into a new investment cycle focused on further increasing domestic offshore natural gas production. Additional drilling activities are planned throughout 2026, and positive results could contribute to strengthening Croatia’s energy security.