Repsol Norge has been granted consent for start-up of Yme field in the North Sea by the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate. Oil production is expected in this year’s second half, 20 years after the field was last on stream. Previously in production from 1996 to 2001, the field was abandoned mainly due to high cost and low oil prices.
An amended plan for development and operation (PDO) consists of the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation of a new wellhead module on top of existing facilities at Yme field. Facilities include the modified and upgraded Mærsk Inspirer jack up and a wellhead module placed on the existing caisson (OGJ Online, Jan. 4, 2021). A new permanent support structure for the caisson and a new subsea template also have been installed. Total investment is estimated at NOK 12 billion.
Yme lies in the southeastern part of the Norwegian sector of the North Sea in licenses PL316 and PL316B, 130 km northeast of Ula field in water depths of 77-93 m. Recoverable reserves are estimated at about 10 million std cu m oil (about 63 million bbl).
Repsol is operator (55%) with partners Lotos Exploration and Production Norge AS (20%), OKEA ASA (15%), and Kufpec Norway AS (10%).
