Uchenna Izundu
OGJ International Editor
LONDON, Aug. 4 -- TAQA Energy BV (TAQA Energy) will operate the L11b-A platform in the Dutch North Sea, which will start production from the southern part of L8-D gas field later this year.
The Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. subsidiary has acquired a 15% interest in the license, platform, and connection to the Noordgastransport (NGT) pipeline. TAQA’s partner, Cirrus Energy Nederland BV, will operate the L11b license, which is 50 km north of Den Helder.
The L11b Group, comprising Chevron Exploration & Production Netherlands BV, DSM Energie BV, and EBN, sold the assets to the L8-D Field Group for an undisclosed amount.
The L8-D Group includes TAQA Energy, Cirrus Energy Nederland, DSM Energie, Energy Investments BV, EWE AG, and EBN.
The L8-D structure holds an estimated 323 bcf of gas in place, according to a report compiled by GLJ Petroleum Consultants Ltd.
In February, the L11b-A06 appraisal well (previously called L11-13) tested gas at a maximum stabilized flow rate of 30.6 MMscfd on a 48/64 in. choke at a flowing wellhead pressure of 200 bar (OGJ Online, Apr. 1, 2009). The group used the Noble Lynda Bossler jack up to reach a TVD of 4,200 m.
“Production from the nearly depleted L11b-A field has been shut-in, and modifications to the existing process equipment are under way to allow for the tie-in of the L11b-A06 well,” said Cirrus Energy. “This is expected to be completed in the fourth calendar quarter of 2009, at which time L8-D field production is expected to commence from the L11b-A06 well.”
A second L8-D field appraisal-development well is to be drilled from the L11b-A platform later this year, which, if successful, is expected to be on production during early 2010.
TAQA will also take over DSM Energy’s share in the L8-D Group following its acquisition of the company. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of this year, subject to regulatory approvals and notifications.
TAQA has a 15% share in the LD-8 Group. Cirrus Energy Nederland has 25.479%, DSM Energie has 2.88%, EBN holds 41.9%, Energy06 Investments BV has 1.341%, and EWE AG has 13.4%.
Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].
Norwegian Offshore Directorate.
