ConocoPhillips approved to develop Saturn Unit area in North Sea

ConocoPhillips (UK) Ltd., operator of the Saturn Unit area in the UK southern North Sea, received UK Department of Trade and Industry approval to develop the area. First natural gas production—75 MMcfd—is expected in fourth quarter 2005, with production ramping up to a maximum 170 MMcfd within a year.

July 29, 2004

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, July 29 -- ConocoPhillips (UK) Ltd., operator of the Saturn Unit area in the UK southern North Sea, received UK Department of Trade and Industry approval to develop the area. First natural gas production—75 MMcfd—is expected in fourth quarter 2005, with production ramping up to a maximum 170 MMcfd within a year.

The Saturn Unit area, in blocks 48/10a and 48/10b of the UK continental shelf, lies 37 km north of the Lincolnshire offshore gas gathering system (LOGGS).

The initial development will consist of three wells from a normally unattended, six-slot wellhead platform, located over the suspended appraisal well in 25 m of water. A 43 km, 14-in. gas export pipeline will tie the platform back to new reception facilities to be added to LOGGS.

ConocoPhillips holds a 42.9% participating interest; other partners are RWE DEA UK Development Ltd. 35.1%, Venture Production (North Sea Developments) Ltd. 19.6%, and ENI UK Ltd. 2.4%.