Jacky field in UKCS exceeds expectations

Ithaca Energy (UK) Ltd. reported its Jacky oil field, which started production earlier this month, is performing beyond initial expectations.

April 22, 2009

2 min read

Uchenna Izundu
OGJ International Editor

LONDON, Apr. 22 -- Ithaca Energy (UK) Ltd. reported its Jacky oil field, which started production earlier this month, is performing beyond initial expectations.

Located 10 km northeast of the Beatrice field in the Inner Moray Firth area of the UK continental shelf, the Jacky production well is flowing without artificial lift at gross rates of around 8,800 b/d (5,920 b/d net to Ithaca). Prior to development, officials figured artificial lift would be necessary to got get gross production of 7,900 b/d.

John Woods, chief developments officer at Ithaca Energy, said, "It is great news that the well is able to flow for the time being at such high rates without artificial lift. This simplifies operations and the downhole pump can be used to increase and maintain Jacky production rates over the coming weeks."

Jacky has a production well tied back to the nearby Beatrice field platform. Ithaca officials said they plan to allow reservoir pressure to reduce over the next few weeks before commencing artificial lift to increase production

Jacky and Beatrice are expected to average 10,000 b/d gross this year. The partners will decide later whether to drill more wells on Jacky after they have assessed its performance.

Jacky holds gross proven and probable reserves of 5.1 million bbl, according to an independent evaluation of reserves by Sproule Associates Ltd.

Co-venturers in Jacky are Ithaca Energy with 67.275%, Dyas UK Ltd. with 22.725%, and North Sea Energy (UK) Ltd. with 10%.

Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].