Hartshead Resources NL let a contract to Gardline Ltd. for a geophysical pipeline survey for development of Anning and Somerville natural gas fields in license P2607 on the UK Continental Shelf.
The 80.4 m MV Ocean Observer survey vessel will mobilize to the field to begin the pipeline survey in September 2023. The main objectives are to provide Hartshead with confirmation of the seabed and sub seabed soil conditions to finalize the design and the installation of the export pipeline route from the field locations, the company said in a release Aug. 16.
In-situ geophysical investigation and laboratory testing of seabed samples taken from the preferred export routes from the sites will be conducted.
Hartshead received a Letter of No Objection from the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) with respect to Phase I development of the fields in 2022 (OGJ Online, July 22, 2022).
The selected development concept consists of six production wells from two wireline capable normally unmanned installation platforms at Anning and Somerville, which have been classified to hold combined 2P reserves of 301.5 bcf (52 MMboe) (OGJ Online, May 31, 2022).
These platforms will connect via a subsea pipeline to Shell Leman Alpha Platform for gas delivery to Bacton Gas Terminal and into the UK gas transmission network.
Earlier this year, Hartshead executed an agreement to farm out 60% of its North Sea project to RockRose Energy, a Viaro Group company.
Francesco Mazzagatti, chief executive officer of Viaro Energy, said the team is currently preparing its application for operatorship of the fields. A final investment decision is expected later this year with first gas planned in 2024.
