New compression installation to stem decline of offshore Sumatra gas field

Offshore staff

LONDON – Serica Energy says compression facilities were installed at the Kambuna gas field offshore North Sumatra in an attempt to slow natural production decline.

Following a commissioning period, the new facilities are expected to be fully functional this month.

Production from the field, in whichSerica has a 25% interest, has averaged 20 MMcf/d since March, following de-bottlenecking, this rate should be sustained through to the fall.

Off western Ireland, Serica operates three blocks in the Slyne basin covering a total area of 611 sq km (236 sq mi), including the Liffey and Boyne prospects.

Serica proved oil in the shallow Jurassic Bandon exploration well 27/4-1 in the area in 2009. Although the find was not commercial, the company sees clear signs of potentially commercial, deeper Jurassic oil prospects from seismic over the Liffey and Boyne locations.

Both these oil prospects overlay separate, deeper gas prospects and thereby provide multiple drilling targets. Serica has acquired site survey data ahead of a drilling program on these prospects, and may look to bring in a farm-in partner to share the expense.

5/14/2012