BP PLC reported that oil production began from the Valhall field redevelopment in the southern part of the Norwegian North Sea.
BP Chief Executive Officer Bob Dudley gives Valhall a further 40-year design life with the capacity to handle 120,000 b/d of oil and 143 MMscfd of gas. BP expects Valhall production to increase to 65,000 boe/d in this year’s second half.
Redevelopment includes a 180-bed process-hotel (PH) platform, as well as a system of bridges and walkways that contain all utilities and process piping that link the PH to the existing complex. It is powered by a power-from-shore system via a 183-mile DC cable from southern Norway, a plan BP expects will reduce direct emissions to air from Valhall field to near-zero.
BP Norway operates Valhall field and holds a 35.9% interest. Hess Norge owns the remaining 64.1% interest (OGJ Online, June 22, 2010).
