BP Exploration Operating Co. Ltd. has completed an extended well test in Clair discovery west of U.K.'s Shetland Islands that confirms the reservoir can yield commercial production levels.
Clair was the first discovery West of Shetland, but well tests have proved inconsistent. Hence BP pegs reserves at only 100-300 million bbl out of 4 billion bbl of oil estimated to be in place.
BP's intention was to prove this summer, using Sedco Explorer semisubmersible rig, that Clair's Block 206/8-10 well could yield 15,000 b/d of oil consistently (OGJ, May 13, p. 38).
Arthur Andersen & Co., London, has estimated the well flowed at more than 15,000 b/d, although BP has not confirmed this. Produced oil was offloaded into a shuttle tanker for marketing in Europe.
A BP official told OGJ Clair's core area, the site of this well, has always yielded the best flow rates. Any further appraisal will need to focus on the more difficult areas of the reservoir.
License partners are expected to meet within the next few weeks to agree on a program for further work in Claire. The official said an early production scheme, as is being developed in nearby Foinaven and Schiehallion fields, is thought unlikely at the moment.
The partners are expected to limit their considerations to further appraisal wells or an extended well test in the reservoir's flank area, with appraisal drilling next year thought to be the most likely outcome.
Clair license partners are operator BP 25.77%, Amoco (U.K.) Ltd. 3.34%, Chevron U.K. Ltd. 22.65%, Conoco (U.K.) Ltd. 11.68%, Elf Caledonia Ltd. 7.18%, Enterprise Oil plc 14.38%, and Esso Exploration & Production U.K. Ltd. 15%.
Copyright 1996 Oil & Gas Journal. All Rights Reserved.
