Catcher development approved offshore the UK

June 12, 2014
A group led by Premier Oil PLC has received government approval for development of three oil and gas fields in the Catcher area of the UK Central North Sea.

A group led by Premier Oil PLC has received government approval for development of three oil and gas fields in the Catcher area of the UK Central North Sea.

The group will drill 22 subsea wells—14 producers and 8 water injectors—in Catcher, Varadero, and Burgman fields for tieback to a floating production, storage, and offloading vessel leased from BW Offshore. Water depth in the area is about 300 ft.

Production will begin in mid-2017 and peak at about 50,000 b/d of oil. Reserves are estimated at 96 million boe.

Oil produced by the Catcher area fields will be loaded onto tankers from the FPSO. Natural gas will enter the Shell-Esso Gas and Liquids (SEGAL) system for transport to St. Fergus.

Premier, operator, holds a 50% interest in Blocks 28/9a and 28/10c. Cairn Energy PLC holds 30%, and MOL Group holds 20%.