Shell U.K. Exploration & Production claims it has completed the world's longest subsea tie-back of an electrical submersible pump (ESP).
Gannet E oil field, brought on stream on Jan. 13, sends produced oil to Gannet A platform 14 km away through a pipeline shared with Gannet F, brought into production in June 1997 (OGJ, Aug. 26, 1996, p. 28).
Shell Expro, U.K., operating joint venture of Shell U.K. Ltd. and Esso Exploration & Production U.K. Ltd., reckons Gannet E represents a milestone in pumping technology, with major implications for offshore industry.
Milestone
Heinz Rothermund, managing director of Shell Expro, said, "We are extremely excited about the successful completion of this project. It provides industry worldwide with a tried and tested method for development of satellite fields."The ESP was developed by Reda Production Services Ltd., Inverurie, Scotland. Reda will monitor operation of the Gannet E ESP in real time from Inverurie, enabling it to advise on best operating conditions for the pump.
Shell said two other subsea ESP projects are in operation worldwide: a single well satellite in Brazil, with a 1 km outreach; and a development in the South China Sea, with a total of 20 wells.
Gannet development
Shell Expro said Gannet E and F were developed for a total of £80 million ($130 million).Gannet E output is expected to reach a peak of about 14,000 b/d of oil within 3-4 weeks.
Gannet E reserves are estimated at 23 million bbl of oil.
Gannet F has estimated reserves of 19 million bbl of oil and has already reached peak production of 18,000 b/d.
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