BP PLC’s Na Kika Phase 3 project in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico started oil production on Feb. 19. The first well was drilled from a semisubmersible platform 140 miles southeast of New Orleans in 6,000 ft of water, BP said.
A second well is slated to be drilled and completed by this year’s second quarter. Phase 3 also will include the addition of subsea infrastructure to tie back to the platform and equipment to increase production from an existing well on the site, said BP.
BP is operator of Na Kika and holds a 50% working interest. Royal Dutch Shell PLC holds the remaining stake.