Offshore staff
CALGARY, Canada -- Sterling Resources says proven and probable reserves for the Breagh gas field in the UK southern North Sea have risen, following drilling success at East Breagh earlier this year.
The 42/13a-6 well was drilled 6 km (3.7 mi) from the 42/13-3 and 42/13-5Z wells, both on the western side of the field that will be developed by operator RWE Dea using the Breagh Alpha platform.
According to Sterling COO John Rapach, the partners have started conceptual and environmental studies for a second development phase, probably involving a second platform (Breagh Bravo) on the eastern side of the field.
These studies will form the basis of an addendum to the current field development program for the Breagh submitted to the UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change. The second-phase addendum will likely be submitted during 4 Q 2011, leading to first gas from the Breagh Bravo during 2013.
The current project remains on schedule and budget, Sterling’s report added. Fabrication of the jacket and topsides for the Breagh Alpha platform are progressing, with tow-out and installation scheduled for mid-August.
Pipelay operations have progressed well, with Allsea’s Lorelay having installed most of the 100-km (62-mi), 20-in. (51-cm) gas export pipeline to Teesside, northeast England, and the majority of the 3-in. (7.6-cm) methanol line.
The beach crossing in northeast England has been completed with a horizontal directional drilling of the various pipelines and services under the Coatham sand dunes and beach to a point 1 km (0.6 mi) offshore.
Phase 1 comprises a platform on the western side of the field from which 10 wells will be drilled, the gas export pipeline and associated smaller pipeline and cable, and an onshore pipeline and modifications to the Teesside gas processing plant. Fabrication of the topsides is 90% complete and commissioning should start shortly.
The partners aim to achieve full-field 2P production for Phase 1 in 2015 at 167 MMcf/d of gas. Phase 2 of the Breagh could add 186 MMcf/d in 2016.
07/22/2011
