Norsk Hydro AS submitted its plan for development and operation of the Fram West field, in block 35/11 on production license 90 in the Norwegian North Sea, to the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy. The project will cost 4.2 billion Norwegian kroner ($46 million).
The field, which Norsk Hydro estimates contains 100 million bbl of oil and 3.5 bcf of gas, will come on stream in October 2003. At plateau, Fram West will produce more than 60,000 b/d, said Norsk Hydro.
According to the plan submitted Thursday, Norsk Hydro and its partners will develop Fram West with two subsea well templates, each with four well slots. Production will be transported to Troll C for processing. Oil will be transported to the Mongstad terminal on land, and gas will be reinjected for 6 years to boost production. After that period, gas will be transported to the Kollsnes gas treatment facility.
Norsk Hydro said the plan marks the first step in developing the Sogn area north of Troll. "We have placed emphasis on crafting a development solution that ensures optimal recovery of the region's resources and the best possible utilization of the infrastructure in the Troll area," says Hydro Exploration and Production Senior Vice-President Lars T. Bjerke.
Norsk Hydro operates the field with 25%; the Norwegian state's direct financial interest holds 30%; Statoil holds 20%; and ExxonMobil Corp., 25%.