Cladhan installations under way in North Sea

May 27, 2014
Sterling Resources expects production from the TAQA-operated Cladhan field in the UK northern North Sea to start around the end of 1Q 2015.

Offshore staff

CALGARY, Canada – Sterling Resources expects production from the TAQA-operated Cladhan field in the UK northern North Sea to start around the end of 1Q 2015.

Development drilling resumed in April and subsea construction works to tie the wells back to TAQA’s Tern platform are expected to be completed by this fall. At the platform, topsides modification works are scheduled to be completed around mid-2015, after first production. InitiallyCladhan should deliver around 17,000 b/d.

Elsewhere in the UK sector, preparations are under way for drilling of the Beverley oil prospect in block 22/26c (Sterling 20%) and on the Crosgan well in block 42/15 in the southern North Sea.

Both should be drilled later this year, although negotiations continue for a rig for the Beverley well. The jackupEnsco 70, currently working on the Breagh gas field development, will transfer 25 km (15.5 mi) southwest to drill Crosgan.

Last year Sterling was awarded new blocks close to the Breagh field containing the Ossian and Darach prospects. It is seeking farm-out partners to cover the costs of firm well commitments for both structures.

Next year Sterling and operator RWE Dea plan to drill wells A09 and A10 from the Breagh Alpha platform, following results from a current 3D seismic acquisition over the field.

In the Dutch North Sea, Sterling operates the F17 and F18 blocks where a 500-sq km (193-sq mi)3D seismic survey is due to start soon. It should finish in June with processing and interpretation set to be completed by mid-2015.

The seismic will cover oil discoveries and prospects in the Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, with a view to evaluating new exploration potential and existing development options. Both licenses have been extended through January 2016.

05/27/2014