Shares in Irish independent Petroceltic International soared 4.8 percent on Monday, after news customs in Algeria had cleared the rigs sent by drill-rig company KCA Deutag and that Schlumberger would oversee well services in the coming campaign.

Petroceltic and Sonatrach aim to start drilling in North Africa in May using Schlumberger business Sahara Well Construction Services, a partnership with Sonatrach subsidiary the Algerian National Enterprise for Drilling.

The new well construction contract covers wireline evaluation, testing, cementing services and civil works for drilling at the Isarene permit.

Petroceltic has a 75 percent interest in the Isarene, while Algerian state champion Sonatrach holds 25 percent.

Tags: KCA DEUTAG, Petroceltic International plc, Sonatrach