Maersk Oil starts production from Affleck

Aug. 17, 2009
Maersk Oil UK Ltd. has brought Affleck field on stream in the central UK North Sea, adding potentially 8,000 b/d of oil to its portfolio when it reaches full capacity.

Uchenna Izundu
OGJ International Editor

LONDON, Aug. 17 -- Maersk Oil UK Ltd. has brought Affleck field on stream in the central UK North Sea, adding potentially 8,000 b/d of oil to its portfolio when it reaches full capacity.

The field was originally scheduled to start production in July 2007, but was delayed due to the Janice floating production unit (FPU) had two lengthly shutdown periods after being given prohibition orders by safety watchdog Health & Safety Executive.

A company spokesman told OGJ that it had initially started at 2,000 b/d through two subsea horizontal production wells tied back via a 28-km production flow line to the Janice FPU on Block 30/17a, also operated by Maersk Oil.

The Affleck subsea manifold, umbilical, and control systems could utilize up to four production wells for future upside potential. Hydrocarbons are being produced from a chalk formation and Maersk Oil used the Noble TVL rig to complete development drilling.

Maersk constructed a new gas export spurline to the Clyde platform, which is operated by partner Talisman North Sea Ltd. “We have also undertaken a significant modification program on Janice to process and export Affleck production fluids, said Tom Van Leenen, Maersk Oil managing director. “In addition Clyde has also undergone topside modifications,” he said.

Affleck was first discovered by Royal Dutch Shell PLC in 1974. Oil is being exported through the existing Janice pipeline into Norpipe, and then to Teeside. Gas is being routed through existing ties on the Janice and Judy export pipeline to SEGAL, via the Clyde and Fulmar facilities, and onward to the St. Fergus terminal.

Affleck is operated by Maersk Oil with 66.67%. Partner Talisman holds 33.33%.

Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].