Saturn gas field off the UK comes on stream

Sept. 15, 2005
Production has started from the first of three wells in Saturn gas field in the UK North Sea, reports RWE DEA UK Ltd.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 15 -- Production has started from the first of three wells in Saturn gas field in the UK North Sea, reports RWE DEA UK Ltd.

Initial production is 75 MMscfd. Output will reach 170 MMscfd when all three wells are on stream (OGJ Online, July 29, 2004).

Saturn field is on Blocks 48/10a and 48/10b, 60 miles from the Norfolk coastline. The blocks lie 18 km north of Audrey field, 12 km west of Ann field, and 37 km north of the Lincolnshire Offshore Gas Gathering System (LOGGS).

The Saturn unit comprises the Atlas, Hyperion, Rhea, and Annabel structures. ConocoPhillips is developing Atlas, Hyperion, and Rhea, while Venture Production (North Sea Developments) Ltd. operates the Annabel structure. ConocoPhillips holds a 42.9% interest in Saturn, RWE holds 35.1%, and Venture holds 22% after acquiring a 2.4% interest from ENI UK Ltd.

Production from the three-well Saturn platform flows to the Theddlethorpe gas terminal through a 14 in. pipeline via LOGGS.

Conoco Inc. discovered and appraised Hyperion in 1986-87 and 1990 with the 48/10b-2, 48/10b-3, and 48/10b-8 wells. In 1991, BP drilled the 48/10b-10 Atlas discovery well.