By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Dec. 15 -- Aberdeen-based exploration and production company Ramco Energy PLC, operator of the Seven Heads natural gas development project in the Celtic Sea, reported bringing the gas field into production Saturday.
Earlier this year, Ramco said it had drilled five wells of a six-well program in Seven Seven Heads field and expected to deliver gas early in the fourth quarter (OGJ Online, July 22, 2003).
Seven Heads field's proved and probable reserves have been independently assessed by Exploration Consultants Ltd. at 390 bcf, of which Ramco's share is 337 bcf, or 59 million boe, the company reported.
New facilities in the field are now in a short period of commissioning, Ramco said. "Following completion of commissioning, it is planned that the initial production rates from the five producing wells will be 60 MMscfd," the company reported.
Seven Heads gas field lies adjacent to Kinsale field, which is operated by Marathon Oil Corp. unit Marathon International Petroleum Ireland Ltd. and is Ireland's largest producing gas fields.
"This proximity to existing infrastructure enabled Ramco to develop Seven Heads on a fast-track basis via a subsea pipeline tied back to the Kinsale facilities," Ramco said. Seven Heads development achieved production in 9 months from development approval early this year (OGJ Online, Mar. 17, 2003).
Ramco said it expects Seven Heads field to contribute about 10-15% of Irish gas demand in 2004, "displacing imports from the UK."
Ramco plans to sell its share of the field's gas production to Innogy Ireland Ltd. and the company has already acquired interests in several other blocks in the Celtic Sea.
The company next year plans to conduct a seismic work program in the area to assess the potential for the future development of satellite structures that are capable of being tied back to existing infrastructure.
Ramco also reported Monday it was awarded by Irish authorities 100% interest in the East Kinsale Licensing Option 03/10. The LO covers part blocks 49/17, 49/18, and 49/23, which lie to the east of Kinsale field.
Seven Heads partners are Ramco 86.5%, DNO ASA unit Island Petroleum Developments Ltd. 12.5%, and Sunningdale Oils (Ireland) Ltd. 1%.
