By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Aug. 16 -- BP PLC has submitted a 4.2 billion kroner ($470 million) plan of development and operation to authorities for the Valhall Flanks development off Norway.
Valhall is 30 km south of Ekofisk field. The plan calls for an unmanned platform to the north and one to south of the existing field development.
The unitized Valhall field is on blocks 2/8 and 2/11.
Production from each of the 16-slot platforms will be routed through separate pipelines to the Valhall four-platform complex, where it will be processed.
The development will add 127 million boe to Valhall's estimated 950 million bbl of oil recovery, with 420 million already produced.
The company will award separate contracts for the wellhead platforms, pipelines, christmas trees and wellheads, and for drilling services during August and September.
BP noted that because of uncertainty about pipeline export capacity, the contract award for the second platform may be delayed until sufficient space can be secured.
All contract awards are subject to government approval of the plan of development and operation. BP expects first oil in the first quarter of 2003.
Anne Drinkwater, BP managing director, said the project stage is in line with the long-term growth targets for the Valhall unit that were supported last year when the government approved the water injection project and extended the field license period to 2028 from 2011.
BP operates the Valhall unit with 28.09%; Amerada Hess Corp. owns 28.09%; Enterprise Oil PLC has 28.09%; and TotalFinaElf SA owns 15.72%.