Offshore staff
LONDON – Serica Energy continues to seek a solution for its Columbus field in the UK central North Sea.
Its current lower cost plan is based on a single-well development tied back to the Lomond gas production complex, where various measures have led to improved reliability.
Further aims this year include reaching agreement on the offtake route and finalizing drilling proposals, gaining partner support for an investment decision, and compiling a full development plan for presentation toBritain’s Oil and Gas Authority.
In the same sector, Serica is a partner in the Chevron-operatedErskine field in blocks 23/26a (Area B) and 23/26b (Area B).
Since production re-started last August following pipeline issues, output from the field’s wells has been consistently strong, Serica says, despite capacity restrictions on the Forties Pipeline, through which Erskine’s liquids are exported, and some minor system trips on the Lomond offtake facilities.
Improved planning and communication between the Erskine and Lomond facility operators have helped identification of system vulnerabilities and devising of more efficient maintenance programs.
Since the resolution of the blockage of the Lomond to Everest condensate export pipeline, the Lomond facilities operator has improved pipeline monitoring and introduced more regular pigging programs, the first of which started in November.
In block 22/19c (Serica 15%), operator Eni plans a site survey this summer ahead of a high-pressure/high-temperature exploration well on the Rowallan prospect, probably in mid-2018.
The partners in East Irish Sea block 113/27c (Serica 20%) are seeking a farm-in partner to help drill an exploration well on the Doyle prospect, also in 2018.
Elsewhere, the company is awaiting sign-off on an extension of its Luderitz basin license off Namibia to December 2018, allowing it to use $50-million 3D seismic survey and pre-drill scoping to attract potential co-investors.
Offshore western Ireland, the company has applied to extend Rockall basin license FEL 4/13 and Slyne Trough license FEL 1/06, again with a view to bringing in partners for proposed wells.
01/10/2017
