Talisman discovers oil near Ross field in the UK North Sea

May 29, 2001
Talisman Energy (UK) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Talisman Energy Inc., has discovered oil in an exploration well near Ross field in the UK North Sea. The Ocean Princess semisubmersible rig drilled the 13/29b-7 well, 5 km northeast of Ross field floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel Bleo Holm.


By the OGJ Online Staff

HOUSTON, May 29 -- Talisman Energy (UK) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Talisman Energy Inc., Calgary, has discovered oil in an exploration well near Ross field in the UK North Sea.

The Ocean Princess semisubmersible rig drilled the 13/29b-7 exploration well, 5 km northeast of Ross field floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel Bleo Holm. Oil was found in the Jurassic Ross and underlying Parry formations.

The well flowed at 2,200 b/d. Talisman holds 80% interest in the block and Paladin Expro Ltd. has 20%. The discovery pushed the northern extension of Ross field into the adjoining acreage.

Talisman Energy Pres. and CEO Jim Buckee said, "Discussions will now take place between the current Ross field owners and the block 13/29b owners regarding incorporation of this area into the Ross development."

Ross came on stream in April 1999. Production is 25,000 b/d. The Ross FPSO was disconnected in early April and towed to the McNulty Fabricators conversion yard for upgrading. It will be towed back and reconnected.

The refurbishment was done because production from Blake field, in 95-m water 9 km north of Ross field, will begin next month into the Ross FPSO. Blake production will add 44,000 b/d (OGJ, May 28, p. 58).