Shell and partners started production from the Princess field subsea wells, 140 mi southeast of New Orleans in the Gulf of Mexico on Dec. 17. Production at the field is flowing at 9,000 b/d and 15 MMcf/d of gas.
The co-venturers will continue phased development of Princess, which is in Mississippi Canyon blocks 765 and 766, in 3,650 ft of water. The initial phase consists of one well (A10) on the Ursa tension leg platform and an expandable three-well subsea system tied back to Ursa, 4 mi away. The Ursa A10 well began production in 4Q 2002. Peak production for Princess' initial stage of development is 55,000 b/d and 110 MMcf/d of gas. Total gross ultimate recovery for the Princess project is 175 MMboe.
"The Princess project utilizes a number of technological advancements for Gulf of Mexico deepwater production, and is another example of profitable resource development through the use of existing infrastructure in established areas," said Thomas R. Walters, vice president for ExxonMobil Production Co.
Shell operates Princess with 45%, BP 23%, ExxonMobil 16%, and ConocoPhillips 16%.
01/06/04
