Partners complete Zarat development studies

June 30, 2015
PA Resources and ETAP have completed work on a full-field life development plan for the Zarat southern tract offshore Tunisia.

Offshore staff

STOCKHOLM, Sweden – PA Resources (PAR) and ETAP have completed work on a full-field life development plan for the Zarat southern tract offshore Tunisia.

Zarat is one of the country’s largest undeveloped offshore oil and gas fields. Commercialization would address Tunisia’s looming gas shortfall. PAR claims this is expected to exceed 30% by 2020.

The two companies planned to submit their proposals to the Zarat northern tract partners for review and approval prior to issuing an overall unit plan of develop­ment (UPOD) to the Tunisian authorities.

They have opted for a two-stage development involving standalone fixed facilities at Zarat tied back to the BG-operated Miskar field platform which has an existing gas pipeline system linked to the onshore Hannibal gas processing plant.

They have also identified a solution for treating and disposing of the high carbon-dioxide content offshore. This would again capitalize on existing local facilities to reduce cost.

Both sets of partners have also continued work to develop a legally and commercially sound Zarat unitized unit operating agreement (UUOA). Once completed, this too was due to be submitted to the authorities.

PAR adds that the delay last year in obtaining an extension of the Zarat license meant it had to postpone drilling of a planned appraisal well on the offshore Elyssa accumulation.

However, it continues work on the well target for Elyssa 4, and is considering a tieback to the planned Zarat facilities.

06/30/2015