Offshore staff
CALGARY, Canada – Shell has deferred a planned exploration well on the Beverley prospect in the UK central North Sea until next year, according to partner Sterling Resources. The decision was made because of the continued tight rig market.
In the southern North Sea, first gas from the RWE Dea-operatedBreagh project has been further delayed due to the need for remedial work identified during commissioning of the onshore terminal receiving the gas.
Planned leak tests conducted prior to the introduction of hydrocarbon gas at the Teesside Gas processing Plant (TGGP) revealed high-pressure vessel and line issues. Remediation is progressing, but start-up of Breagh is unlikely before mid-September.
The offshore facilities and export pipeline to the terminal are fully commissioned and pressured with hydrocarbon gas, ready to start production immediately following completion of the TGPP work.
Early this month the Breagh A05 well was completed and production tested. Despite encountering a similar geological section to the A03 well, it flowed 21 MMcf/d (594,654 cm/d) of gas, much lower than the 57 MMcf/d (1.6 MMcm/d) achieved during the A03 test.
RWE is evaluating the well data. Remedial action might be needed to improve production from zones that may have experienced clay swelling from the influx of water during the completion phase.
The A04 well, originally completed in February, was also production tested and flowed 26 MMcf/d. Based on the results of these two latest tests average daily production at Breagh next year is now estimated at 112 MMcf/d (3.2 MMcm/d), including input from well A07 expected from February 2014. Currently the jackupEnsco 70 is drilling well A06.
In the Romanian sector of theBlack Sea, Sterling says the partners have decided to drill a well this fall on the Muridava block.
Operator Petroceltic is targeting a 169-bcf (4.8-bcm) gas prospect. The planned location is due east of the Eugenia well, drilled last year in the Pelican block.
Additionally, Sterling aims to acquire 3D seismic over part of its operated Luceafarul block. Further 3D seismic surveys, exploration and appraisal drilling are expected to follow next year on the Midia and Pelican blocks.
8/22/2013
