New York based Hess Corporation, an oil and gas company, is set to drill at least three wildcats in 2012 at the Tano Cape Three Points licence offshore Ghana, Norwegian-based publication Upstream reports.

According to the publication, Hess’ Chief Executive Officer, John Hess, said he expects the drillship, Stena Drillmax, to start operations in the first quarter of next year but stressed that the intention is to go exploring and not to appraise Paradise.

The results of the drilling is said to give the company a better understanding of which areas of Tano Cape Three Points to retain when its first explor­ation period expires in 2013.

Three is the minimum number of wells to be drilled since Hess has options on the drillship for five slots, according to Upstream, adding the rig for the work is currently in Brazil but will be available in Ghana in January 2012.

The company has a 90% stake in the licence.