At Princess, Crew will focus on the optimization of existing production, implementation of three to five new waterfloods and the drilling of 21 wells. Crew's existing waterfloods have been very successful in stemming declines in pools where they have been implemented. Longer term, the Company is targeting decline rates in the area to be reduced to the 20 to 25% range. Based on this program, it is expected this area will generate significant positive free cash flow in 2013.
In the greater Septimus area, Crew will drill 11 (9.0 net) wells with seven (7.0 net) wells targeting liquids rich natural gas and two (2.0 net) wells targeting oil at Tower. Crew has reduced costs in this area by over 10% by optimizing capital efficiencies through pad drilling and modified completion techniques which have also resulted in improved individual well performance. The Company has also invested in water source and disposal infrastructure in the area to further reduce our cost structure, all of which has resulted in enhanced economics with rates of return improving from 20% to approximately 40% despite the current commodity price environment. Crew also plans to work with the owner of the Crew operated Septimus gas plant to expand the facility from its current capacity of 46 mmcf per day to 64 mmcf per day with construction expected to commence in 2013. The planned increase in capacity will allow for increased production from the area in 2014 and a corresponding decrease in per unit operating costs of greater than 15% due to a further improvement in operating efficiencies.
In the greater Kakwa area of the Deep Basin, Crew plans to drill seven (6.8 net) wells targeting liquids rich natural gas. This area is characterized by lower decline production and high liquids content in the 90 bbls per mmcf range of which roughly a third is condensate driving favorable returns. Crew is evaluating a more significant infrastructure expansion for the Kakwa area to take advantage of proposed pipeline expansions and provide for future growth.
2013 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BY TYPE---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ($million)Drilling and Completions 151.8Equip/Tie-in/Facilities 25.6Optimization 18.3G & A/Environmental/other 12.8Land & Seismic 10.5 -----------Total Capital 219.0
Crew's budget and guidance are best estimates based on certain assumptions including operating results and commodity prices and will be regularly monitored by management. Additional information regarding our 2013 budget can be found within the latest presentation on the Company's website at www.crewenergy.com. Our primary goal is to proactively manage our capital program as it relates to operational success and fluctuating commodity prices with a goal to maintain financial flexibility and achieve our production goals.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
Forward-looking information and statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. In particular, but without limiting the forgoing, this news release contains forward-looking information and statements pertaining to the following: the Company's planned capital expenditure program, drilling plans, estimated and expected production levels and commodity mix; anticipated reductions in decline rates at Princess, future commodity prices, the future differential between WTI prices and WCS prices, future royalty rates, the future exchange rate for the Canadian dollar to the US dollar, operating costs, transportation costs, general and administrative costs, interest costs, the Company's cash flow from operations, future results from operations; future development and exploration activities and related capital expenditures and adequacy of anticipated methods of financing, the number of wells to be drilled and completed and related production expectations; and the amount and timing of capital projects.
