Skarv production begins offshore Norway

Jan. 4, 2013
BP Norway and partners have started production from Skarv oil and natural gas field in 350-450 m of water in the Norwegian Sea.

BP Norway and partners have started production from Skarv oil and natural gas field in 350-450 m of water in the Norwegian Sea.

Production is expected to rise to 125,000 boe/d within 6 months and peak at 165,000 boe/d by yearend.

Development involved the drilling of 16 wells drilled through five subsea templates.

Produced fluids move through a floating production, storage, and offloading vessel built for harsh waters. The FPSO can handle 85,000 b/d of oil and 670 MMscfd of gas and store 875,000 bbl of oil.

Shuttle tankers carry away the oil. Gas moves through a new 80-km, 26-in. spur line to the Asgard Transport System.

BP estimates ultimate recovery of 100 million bbl of oil and condensate and more than 1.5 tcf of rich gas. It expects Skarv to serve as a production hub.

According to the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, the field holds gas and condensate in Middle and Lower Jurassic sandstones in the Garn, Ile, and Tilje formations, with an underlying oil zone in the Skarv deposit in Garne and Tilje. Reservoir quality is good in Garn and relatively poor in Tilje. The reservoirs, faulted in several places, lie at 3,300-3,700 m.

BP, operator, holds a 23.84% interest. Other interests are held by Statoil 36.17%, E.On E&P Norway 28.08%, and PGNiG Norway 11.92%.