Apache starts oil production from Maule field in N. Sea

June 29, 2010
Houston independent Apache Corp. reported that its Maule field in the UK North Sea has started oil production at 11,750 b/d.

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, June 29
-- Houston independent Apache Corp. reported that its Maule field in the UK North Sea has started oil production at 11,750 b/d. The field, in which Apache holds 100% interest, was brought on production 8 months following the October 2009 discovery, the company said.

“The Maule discovery, which is an Eocene-age reservoir located above the main Forties Paleocene reservoir, was identified by Apache's North Sea geoscience team using its extensive experience with seismic interpretation in the area. We were able to develop the field quickly via our existing infrastructure within the Forties field,” said James L. House, region vice-president and managing director of Apache North Sea Ltd. “The viability of the project was enhanced by the UK government's incentives aimed at encouraging development of smaller fields in the North Sea.”

Apache plans a second well at Maule.

Apache also reported that it will proceed with development of the Bacchus field, a Jurassic discovery 4 miles northeast of the Forties Alpha platform. Apache is planning three horizontal subsea wells tied back to Forties Alpha via a pipeline bundle. Apache owns a 70% working interest at Bacchus. Other partners include Royal Dutch Shell PLC 20% and Endeavour 10%. First oil is expected in mid-2011.