Burullus launches WWDM development plan

Burullus Gas Co. has awarded WellDynamics a three-year multi-well contract for the deepwater Sapphire gas development offshore Egypt. Burullus discussed development plans today at the Offshore Europe 2003 oil and gas exhibition and conference in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Morten Iversen, completion department manager for Burulus, said, "The program for Sapphire from day one was planned around SmartWell technology." The two drivers for this decision were cost and production. "Completing the wells in more than one zone can significantly reduce the total number of development wells and thus the project life capex," he said.

In the case of Sapphire, Burullus plans to drill eight wells, up to seven of which will have multiple targets, Iversen said. Without using intelligent completions, it would have been necessary to drill 15 wells, according to Iversen.

Burullus plans to use a semisubmersible to drill the development wells. Pre-drilling is to begin by the end of 2004, with production expected in October 2005.

The Sapphire field is part of the Burullus-operated West Delta Deep Marine concession 75 km north of the Nile Delta.

Burullus is a joint venture operated by the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Co. with 50% interest. Partners are BG Egypt with 25% and Petronas with the remaining 25%.

09/03/03