Spirit Energy Ltd. submitted a decommissioning program for Chestnut field in Block 22/2a of the UK Continental Shelf, more than a decade after it was first expected to be shut in.
The field, nearly 200 km east of Aberdeen in 117 m of water, is still producing oil via three wells, the last of which was drilled in 2020. It has produced more than 27 million bbl of oil through the Hummingbird FPSO vessel despite initial estimates of around 7 million bbl.
Under the proposed decommissioning plans, the FPSO will be removed, and owner Teekay will assess potential reuse options or ultimately recycle the vessel in an environmentally safe and responsible manner in accordance with applicable UK/EU regulations, the company said. The risers will be flushed, cleaned, and taken back to shore.
The start date for the campaign is dependent on final cessation of production from the field.
Spirit Energy is operator at Chestnut (82.2%) with the balance held by partner Dana Petroleum PLC.