Shell/Esso have produced first gas through ultra-minimal platform in the UK southern North Sea
Offshore staff
(Aberdeen) Shell/Esso's Cutter field in the UK southern gas basin began producing last week. The field has been developed with a 16 m high, minimal facility Trident Monotower, supported by a single 4.2 m diameter hollow pile. Fabrication costs of this design are claimed to be 40% lower than conventional southern sector platforms. The design is also virtually identical to the NAM-operated K17 Monotower in the Dutch North Sea.
Total weight of the Cutter platform topsides and substructure is 400 metric tons. One of the main features is the use onboard of renewable energy sources, one aim being to reduce costs imposed ordinarily through installation of a subsea power cable. Gas is being exported to the Bacton terminal via Shell's Carrack and Clipper platforms.
