Valkyrie to commission Falcon deepwater pipeline

Dec. 17, 2002
Houston-based Valkyrie Commissioning Services Inc. received a letter of intent for pipeline commissioning services in support of Pioneer Natural Resources Co.'s multiwell Falcon deepwater project in the Gulf of Mexico.

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Dec. 12 -- Houston-based Valkyrie Commissioning Services Inc. (VCS) received a letter of intent for pipeline commissioning services in support of Pioneer Natural Resources Co.'s multiwell Falcon deepwater project in the Gulf of Mexico. Falcon field is 100 miles east of Corpus Christi, Tex., in 3,400 ft of water on East Breaks Blocks 579 and 623 (OGJ Online, Oct. 24, 2001). Reserves are estimated at 175-240 bcfe.

A 32.6 mile, 10-in. production pipeline is planned to transport untreated natural gas and condensate from two wells in Falcon field to an El Paso Energy Partners LP host platform, Falcon Nest, in shallow water on Mustang Island Block 103.

Paris-based Technip-Coflexip was awarded the EPCI contract in June for design, procurement, commissioning, and installation of the pipeline system and umbilicals, which the company plans to install from CSO Deep Blue, the group's ultradeepwater pipelay and construction vessel. Project operations are being coordinated from the group's Technip Offshore branch in Houston.

VCS will provide filling, pigging, hydrostatic testing, and dewatering services after the pipeline is installed. The project is slated for completion by February 2003. Natural gas production from the field is expected to reach 175 MMcfd equivalent.

Pioneer operates Falcon field and has a 75% working interest, with Mariner Energy Inc. holding the rest (OGJ Online, Apr. 15, 2002).