More tie-ins likely to west of Shetland GLA pipeline system

Jan. 8, 2025
Kistos expects the Prax Group to replace TotalEnergies as operator of the Greater Laggan Area (GLA) west of Shetland by mid-year, and first oil is expected this year from the Balder Future redevelopment.

Kistos expects the Prax Group to replace TotalEnergies as operator of the Greater Laggan Area (GLA) west of Shetland by mid-year 2025, following last summer’s provisionally agreed transaction.

The change should help move forward sanctioning of new tie-in projects to the gas-condensate pipeline system, Kistos added, such as the Glendronach discovery.

In the Norwegian North Sea, operator Var Energi expects to produce first oil this year from the Balder Future redevelopment, in which Kistos is also a partner.

Development drilling should start shortly for Balder Phase V, targeting reserves of more than 30 MMboe via six wells, using the COSL Pioneer semisubmersible. The campaign should continue into 2026.

And the partners are maturing Balder Phase VI and other projects to raise recovery from the prolific Balder field, with FID on Phase VI expected during the next few months.