EXPORT CRUDES FOR THE '90S NORTH SEA EMERALD CRUDE OIL ASSAYED

Anne K. Rhodes Refining/petrochemical editor An analysis of crude from Emerald field, 70 miles east of the Shetland Islands in the British North Sea, shows that the crude is much heavier than typical North Sea crude. Elements of the long-delayed project appear to be in place, but production has not yet begun. Plans call for producing the field at a rate of 30,000-40,000 b/d from a floating storage unit.

Sept. 16, 1991

2 min read

Anne K. Rhodes
Refining/petrochemical editor

An analysis of crude from Emerald field, 70 miles east of the Shetland Islands in the British North Sea, shows that the crude is much heavier than typical North Sea crude.

Elements of the long-delayed project appear to be in place, but production has not yet begun. Plans call for producing the field at a rate of 30,000-40,000 b/d from a floating storage unit.

Sovereign Oil & Gas plc has completed and fully tested seven production wells and four injectors in the marginal Emerald oil field. All flow lines are in place and the floating storage unit is ready to be installed.

Production from Emerald will be sold to Neste Oy of Finland, at a minimum price related to a Brent price of $17.90/bbl fob Sullom Voe. Increases in spot prices above that level will be shared equally by the owners and purchaser.

Emerald oil field is in 500 ft of water in U.K. North Sea blocks 2/10a, 2/15a, and 3/11b--about 19 miles southwest of Ninian field. Its life expectancy is only 5-8 years, after which the facilities will be available for reuse in other fields. Partners in Emerald are Sovereign (30%), Peko Oil North Sea plc (14%), Nedlloyd Energy (U.K.) Ltd. (10.5%), Midland & Scottish Resources (44.226845%), and Westburne Drilling (1.273155%).

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