Shell, ExxonMobil get go-ahead for Fram in North Sea

Oct. 22, 2012
Shell has approval from Britain’s government to develop the Fram oil and gas field in the UK central North Sea.

Offshore staff

ABERDEEN, UK – Shell has approval from Britain’s government to develop the Fram oil and gas field in the UK central North Sea.

Fram is a joint venture between Shell UK (32%) and Esso Exploration & Production UK (68%). The field will bedeveloped with an FPSO, and according to Shell the project is one of the largest in this region in recent years. 

The field is 50 km (31 mi) west of the UK/Norway median line in a water depth of roughly 100 m (328 ft). Development calls for eight production wells, one production water re-injection (PWRI) well, two subsea drill centers (East and West), and a subsea flowline bundle, all connected to the FPSO to be supplied by SBM Offshore.

Shell aims to bring Fram onstream within the next three years, with average production of 35,000 boe/d.

Oil will be exported via tanker and the rich wet gas will be sent through the existing Shell-Esso-operated Fulmar Gas Line 18 km (11.2 mi) away and the Shell-Esso Gas and Liquids (SEGAL) system.

10/22/2012