FPSO technology benefits Ross and Blake oil fields

abarrelfullabarrelfull wrote on 04 Jan 2013 18:11
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28/6/2001

The unique upstream capabilities enabled by floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) technology were emphasized recently in the North Sea, when production from the Ross field, approximately 65 miles northeast of Aberdeen, was briefly interrupted to effect modifications to the FPSO Bleo Holm that subsequently allowed the vessel to begin co-producing the nearby Blake field late last month.

Under an innovative plan developed by field operators Talisman Energy (UK) Limited and BG International (NSW) Limited, Bluewater and the major contractors involved were able to work in partnership interrupting production on Ross field for only ninety-five days.

In September 2000, fabrication of the Bleo Holm’s new production and processing modules began at McNulty Offshore in South Shields. In late March production from Ross was interrupted, and the Bleo Holm began the demobilisation process from its production location. Upon completion, in early April, the vessel was towed to McNulty for the installation and commissioning of the vessel’s additional topside production and processing equipment.

The effect on product processing capability was as follows: -

  • Gross liquids capacity to 126 MBPD from 50 MBPD, increasing dry oil production capacity to 100 MBPD from 40 MBPD and increasing produced water treatment capacity to 125 MBPD from 40 MBPD.
  • Gas compression capacity to 58 MMSCFD from 38 MMSCFD.
  • Water-injection capacity to 140 MBPD from 66 MBPD.

Sub-sea modifications, at the operating site commenced mid-April and were completed in June by the subsea contractor Coflexip Stena Offshore. Vessel modifications were completed almost in tandem enabling the Bleo Holm to return to the Ross and Blake fields to resume production on Ross field June 25 and to initiate first oil from the Blake field two days later.
Initial combined production from the two fields is 42 MBOPD which is a limitation under the flaring consent. Once compressor commissioning is complete, production is expected to rise rapidly to over 65 MBOBD.
Additional future production could be forthcoming in the area. BG has disclosed plans for exploratory drilling later this year to test the so-called “Blake Flank” area. The Bleo Holm is considered to be the likely host of any incremental development opportunities in either field.


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