Rhum gas field gets green light

May 22, 2003
BP, on behalf of its co-venture partner, has plans to develop the Rhum gas field for £350 million. Deveopment of the Rhum field, which was discovered in 1977, has been under review for some time, but has only n recently become viable. The gas reservoir is subject to extreme temperatures and high pressure.

BP, on behalf of its co-venture partner, has plans to develop the Rhum gas field for £350 million.

Deveopment of the Rhum field, which was discovered in 1977, has been under review for some time, but has only n recently become viable. The gas reservoir is subject to extreme temperatures and high pressure.

"Rhum is a good example of the opportunities that still exist in the North Sea," said Ian Vann, BP's group vice president and technical director. "When Rhum was discovered back in the '70s, we knew we had a challenge on our hands to develop the field, given the difficulties at that time in doing so. But I'm pleased to say that through a combination of innovative thinking and our experience of North Sea challenges, we have advanced to the point where this difficult development is now viable."

A number of contracts for the project have already been let. These include the contracts for module fabrication and detailed design and project management, both of which were awarded to Amec. It is expected that further contracts will be awarded in the coming weeks.

The Rhum field is 380 km northeast of Aberdeen in 109 m of water. The field is 44 km from the BP-operated Bruce platform. The development of the field will involve a subsea tieback to the Bruce field with gas being exported from Bruce via the Frigg pipeline system to St. Fergus. Associated condensate will be piped via Bruce into the Forties pipeline system.

Rhum has estimated resources of 1.1 tcf of gas, of which, 800 bcf is deemed recoverable.

"The Rhum project is one of the most significant developments in the North Sea in the last twelve months," said Brian Wilson, minister for energy and construction. "It clearly shows that there is significant potential in the North Sea and the scope for exploiting new fields, although challenging, brings great rewards."

Work on the project will begin immediately with first gas expected late in 2005.

05/22/03