Shell Petroleum Development Co. has begun crude oil production, a week ahead of schedule, at the EA field offshore Nigeria through the new build FPSO facility, the Sea Eagle.
The field represents the first significant extension of the NNPC, Elf, Agip, and SPDC partnership into oil and gas production activities in Nigeria's shallow offshore. The field's production is set to increase Nigeria's production capacity by 140,000 b/d.
"The project is part of the Joint-Venture's $ 8.5-billion medium-term investment in the oil and gas industry, announced in 1999," said Ron van den Berg, managing director of SPDC. "It shows our unshaken commitment to the development of Nigeria."
The development of the EA reserves involves the production of oil into the FPSO Sea Eagle for process and discharge into awaiting tankers, with gas exported via the offshore gas gathering system pipeline, which is under construction. The gas is then to be converted to LNG at the Bonny Island Nigeria LNG plant.
In line with the company's policy on the development of local content, two Nigerian companies were awarded sub-contracts for the construction of the drilling jackets, the gas riser platform, and the piles for the Soft Yoke mooring platform. The companies are Globestar Nigeria Ltd. and Nigerdock Nigeria Plc.
Another Nigerian company, Ciscon Nigeria Ltd., won the contract for provision of well completion running and testing services. Also, Nigerian company Specialty Drilling Fluids Ltd. won the contract for the provision of a Self-Elevating Workover Platform for well cleaning and testing.
12/20/02
