Well problem lowers oil production from Athena in North Sea

Sept. 19, 2013
Ithaca Energy continues working to resolve a production issue in the Athena field in the UK North Sea, according to partner Trapoil (AIM:TRAP).

Offshore staff

LONDONIthaca Energy continues working to resolve a production issue in the Athena field in the UK North Sea, according to partner Trapoil (AIM:TRAP).

Failure of theelectric submersible pump (ESP) in the P4 well has cut oil production from the field to around 7,500 b/d, down about 1,400 b/d. However, diagnostic testing, including an investigation of the ESP, has not rectified the fault.

The partners are considering other remedial actions, which could include a repair or workover of the existing well or drilling of a new well. Either way, production is unlikely to return to previous levels prior to 2Q 2014, Trapoil says.

9/19/2013