Offshore staff
OSLO, Norway – Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) Norway has sanctioned four new proposals for drilling and facilities extensions in the Norwegian North Sea.
Dong E&P Norge has approval for exploration drilling in southern block 3/7, using the jackupMærsk Giant. The location is 235 km (146 mi) southwest of Lista, in 67 m (220 ft) water depth. The aim of well 3/7-9S is to explore the potential of a prospect in production license 289, where Dong is the operator. Drilling will start either this month or in February, and is scheduled to last about 90 days.
ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Norway has permission to use the semisubmersibleWest Alpha to drill and complete five new production wells on Balder field. Wells 25/11-a-21 to 25 will be drilled in a water depth of 125 m (410 ft). The program is expected to get under way this month and will likely last 500-600 days.
Talisman Energy Norge has consent to use thePetrojarl FPSO beyond its designated lifespan on the Varg field in the central Norwegian North Sea.
The original design lifetime was based on the reserve estimate and production profile indicated in the plan for development and operation for Varg. Reserves have since been upgraded periodically, based on results of new wells, an improved reservoir model, and use of new technology.
Varg is an oil field south of Sleipner Øst in a water depth of 84 m (275 ft).
Finally, Statoil has received renewed consent to use the pipeline between the Heimdal and Grane production facilities. The line was originally constructed for gas injection purposes. However, Statoil wants the option of using it to transport condensate under certain operational conditions.
Statoil has conducted a requalification program for this purpose and has performed associated modifications onGrane and Heimdal.
01/02/2013
