Auk, Yme head Talisman North Sea schedule

Offshore staff

CALGARY, Canada -- Talisman Energy has allocated $1.2 billion this year for its E&P programs in the North Sea, two-thirds slated for UK projects and one-third for the Norwegian sector. Around $150 million of the budget will be directed towards exploration.

On the UK shelf, main activities will include ramping up production from the Auk North development, which came onstream at the end of last year. Engineering for the Auk South redevelopment project is near completion − fabrication of the new facilities is under way, with first production expected in 2012.

At Claymore, Talisman plans to re-start infill drilling, leading to first production later this year. The company also is working on redevelopment of the Montrose/Arbroath area to extend the life of the existing fields and incorporate development of the Cayley, Godwin, and Shaw discoveries.

In block 30/13 in the Fulmar area, the company will complete drilling of the TR1 appraisal well.

Offshore Norway, the main focus will be on commissioning the Yme field redevelopment project, with first oil due early in the second half of 2011. The topsides are waiting in Stavanger for a weather window to allow installation.

Talisman is participating in a widespread infill program that includes wells on the Gyda, Brage, Veslefrikk, and Varg fields. It has further plans to drill the Gnatcatcher exploration well, appraise the Grosbeak discovery, and continue development planning for the Grevling field.

The company expects to average production of 130,000-135,000 boe/d this year from its North Sea interests.

01/11/2011