North Sea Clapham development produces first oil

Dec. 18, 2003
Petro-Canada, 100% owner and operator of Clapham field on Block 21/24 in the UK Central North Sea about 165 km east of Aberdeen, reported that first production of crude oil from the field was achieved in late November. The field is tied back to the Triton FPSO.

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Dec. 18 -- Petro-Canada, 100% owner and operator of Clapham field on Block 21/24 in the UK Central North Sea about 165 km east of Aberdeen, reported that production of 33° gravity crude oil from the field was first achieved in late November.

The field, in 282 ft of water, is tied back to the Triton floating production, storage, and offloading vessel (FPSO) via the subsea infrastructure of Guillemot West & Guillemot Northwest fields, which Petro-Canada also operates.

Clapham field is expected to produce a peak of 15,000 b/d of oil in 2004, Petro-Canada said. It has a gas-to-oil ratio of 100:1. The field is estimated to have proved and probable reserves of more than 20 million bbl of oil.

"The future of the UK North Sea will be about companies who have the skill and imagination to develop smaller fields economically," said Norm McIntyre, president of Petro-Canada. "By having access to existing infrastructure, we have shown just how much can be achieved with the right focus, flexibility, and a skilled and motivated team.

"In 2004, we are planning to invest $640 million (Can.) in our international business, of which $240 million will be in the UK. Well over half of the UK investment is earmarked for the Pict field development which, subject to the necessary approvals, we plan to tie back to the Triton FPSO," said McIntyre.