Hartshead Resources NL (ASX:HHR) has filled the key role of wells manager within its UK Southern Gas Basin Phase I development team through the appointment of industry veteran Stephen McCraith.
McCraith has more than 33 years of experience in the UK North Sea, having delivered major drilling programs in the upstream coal and gas sector.
He brings a wealth of operating experience to Hartshead as the company begins the front-end engineering design (FEED) stage of Phase I development at the Anning and Somerville gas fields.
The new wells manager will be responsible for delivering the six horizontal multi-frac well program for the Phase I development; successful execution of the program will be a key value driver in this stage of development.
Experience critical for development
“I am delighted to welcome Steve to the Hartshead team,” Hartshead Resources CEO Chris Lewis said.
“I have no doubt that Steve’s considerable expertise and valuable contribution will ensure successful delivery of our Phase I drilling program.”
McCraith spent the majority of his career with Shell (LON:RDSa) International and Shell UK Exploration and Production as a rig superintendent and drilling operations manager.
He was responsible for all types of drilling operations, including exploration and development drilling, infill drilling, well testing, coiled tubing operations and other well intervention services.
McCraith holds a BSc(Hons) degree in Exploration & Mining Geology from University College Cardiff, an MSc degree in Drilling Engineering from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, and holds qualifications as a Chartered Engineer.
HHR states that his experience in well engineering activities, well integrity and assurance will be “critical to our Phase I development well-planning activities on the Anning and Somerville gas fields”.