Offshore staff
HOUSTON – VAALCO Energy is looking to rectify an electrical submersible pump (ESP) failure in the South Tchibala 2-H well offshore Gabon, which has since been shut-in.
The well had been flowing around 1,300 b/d.
VAALCO plans to mobilize a hydraulic workover unit to the Avouma platform to replace the ESP system and expects the well to be back in service during 4Q.
Last year the company took similar action on another failed ESP, with the repair cost proving significantly lower than mobilizing a jackup.
Following recent analysis, the company believes it has determined the cause of the failures, and will install a newly designed pair of ESPs in South Tchibala 2-H during the planned workover. It is also considering further workovers.
Last month VAALCO completed its planned 2017 maintenance turnaround for the Etame Marin FPSO and four platforms. The field was shut-in for nine days but is now back on production. Results confirmed the asset integrity programs are effective - the next turnaround will be in 2018.
The company continues to examine alternative, lower cost development options for discoveries in block P offshore Equatorial Guinea.
08/10/2017
