Maintenance constrains Talisman's North Sea output

July 28, 2011
Talisman Energy’s second-quarter UK North Sea averaged 73,200boe/d, up 14% compared with the corresponding period in 2010.

Offshore staff

CALGARY, Canada – Talisman Energy’s second-quarter UK North Sea averaged 73,200 boe/d, up 14% compared with the corresponding period in 2010.

However, output was markedly lower than in 1Q 2011. This was due to a planned turnaround at the Piper/Tweedsmuir complex, and natural decline at the Tweedsmuir field.

Talisman expects its UK production to be further impacted in the third quarter, with shutdowns planned at the Claymore, Tartan, Buchan, and Ross/Blake facilities.

Offshore Norway, the company averaged 32,300 boe/d in 2Q, 36% down on the same period in 2010 and 27% below the figure for the previous quarter. Main factors given were completion of maintenance turnarounds at Brage and Veslefrikk, with similar impacts expected during 3Q due to a planned turnaround at Rev.

During 2Q, Talisman spent $307 million on North Sea development programs. Highlights included completion of a fourth production well in the Auk North field in the UK sector early in July, and development wells at Gyda and Veslefrikk in the Norwegian North Sea.

A gas-lift scheme has increased production potential from Gyda by around 20%. On Rev, a side track is planned early next year to offset natural decline in the field.

The long-delayed Yme project moved forward, with offshore installation of the platform in mid-year. Talisman also completed some required re-work onshore, however, there is still much to be done to finish commissioning of the topsides. Yme says delivery of first oil is unlikely before next spring.

07/28/2011