Statoil ASA reported the start of production from Oseberg Delta 2 in the North Sea.
The field is tied back 14 km to Oseberg field’s center by two subsea templates with total capacity for eight wells. The initial phase involves three oil producers and two gas injectors. Gas injection will provide “a substantially greater recovery rate,” the company said.
“Delta 2 is an important element in extending the lifetime of Oseberg,” said Arild Dybvig, vice-president for fast-track development projects. “It provides a good example of how we can make lesser discoveries profitable by using existing infrastructure while it is still available.”
Total investment is slightly less than 7 billion kroner, Statoil said.
The development plan was submitted to the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in May 2013 and approved that October.
Recoverable reserves are estimated at 77 million boe during an estimated life of 20 years. Oil accounts for 32 million boe and gas 45 million boe. Production is from 3,100 m under the seafloor.
Operator Statoil has 49.3%, Petoro 33.6%, Total 14.7%, and ConocoPhillips 2.4% (OGJ Online, May 30, 2013).
Statoil said oil from two wells on the “Delta terrace” has been produced since 2008.