Offshore staff
LONDON — IOG has issued updates on drilling/production improvement programs at its gas field projects in the UK southern North Sea.
The well stimulation vessel SLB BIGORANGE XVIII is due to mobilize today to the Southwark Field and should begin hydraulic stimulation operations early next week on the A2 well.
IOG expects first gas from A2 around year-end, subject to stimulation progress and operational risks to final hookup and commissioning
The company has settled on a resumption plan for the A1 well, for direct continuation after A2, with A1 delivering first gas as expected by early second-quarter 2023.
The Saturn Banks Pipeline System (SBPS) has been depressurized to allow for safe installation in the next few days of the final subsea spool connecting to the Southwark facilities.
De-watering and backgassing of the SBPS outer section to Southwark should be completed during the shutdown. Aqueous liquids handling issues onshore, IOG added, are pushing up operating costs; management is assessing potential solutions.
Shelf Drilling, which recently acquired the Noble Hans Deul jackup (to be renamed Shelf Perseverance), has taken on a rig contract that includes one further unexercised extension option.
IOG CEO Rupert Newall said, “The increase in cash generation from both Southwark wells can underpin the multiple further value adding activities we are planning over coming months, including Blythe production optimization, progressing Nailsworth as part of a wider Central Hub development with Elland and Panther, the appraisal campaign at Goddard and Kelham, evaluating the commercial potential of the Grafton area (P2589) via seismic reinterpretation, and submitting bids for a range of complementary assets when the [UK’s] 33rd Round closes in January.”
11.11.2022
