CONOCO SHUTS DOWN NORTH SEA GAS FIELD

Conoco (U.K.) Ltd. has halted production from the Viking A gas production complex in the southern part of the U.K. North Sea. Viking, owned jointly by Conoco and BP Exploration, is a first generation gas field developed in the early 1970s. The field lies in Blocks 49/12, 49/16, and 49/17. Gas production will continue from the Viking B complex, which has five unmanned satellite platforms and produces about 200 MMcfd. During last winter's peak gas demand the two production centers were

Nov. 4, 1991

3 min read

Conoco (U.K.) Ltd. has halted production from the Viking A gas production complex in the southern part of the U.K. North Sea.

Viking, owned jointly by Conoco and BP Exploration, is a first generation gas field developed in the early 1970s. The field lies in Blocks 49/12, 49/16, and 49/17.

Gas production will continue from the Viking B complex, which has five unmanned satellite platforms and produces about 200 MMcfd. During last winter's peak gas demand the two production centers were flowing about 270 MMcfd into the U.K. gas pipeline network.

Although production has been halted, the A complex will continue as an unmanned riser installation on the Viking gas pipeline.

REASONS FOR SHUTDOWN

Conoco said the Viking A decision stemmed from a combination of things, including safety considerations, age of facilities, and current production volume.

Nearness of production risers to the accommodation unit in Viking A was considered unsatisfactory by 1991 standards, Conoco said. In addition, production from the complex was declining as the end of its life approached.

Mike Stinson, chairman and managing director of Conoco (U.K.), said, "These factors, allied with current developments taking place at Viking B, persuaded us that the safest, most efficient course was to halt production and deman Viking A. The crew will be redeployed to other Conoco facilities."

Conoco is installing an accommodation platform in the Viking B complex that will be linked by a 213 ft bridge to production and processing platforms. Gas from the B complex moves through a 7 mile, 24 in. pipeline to the A complex. From there, gas goes through an 86 mile, 28 in. line to Theddlethrope terminal. The pipeline system also carries production from Conoco's Victor field.

Conoco said suspension of production from Viking A is not irreversible at this stage. The company is evaluating options for producing the remaining hydrocarbons in the area.

The shutdown of production and demanning of Viking A will lead to the loss of production from two Rotliegendes sandstone reservoirs in the area. Six others will remain in operation, producing through Viking B facilities.

Speaking at a North Sea safety conference after the Viking announcement, Stinson dismissed claims that cost cutting in the offshore oil and gas industry has reduced safety standards. "Our philosophy is that project economies must be achieved through innovative designs, tight management, and performance against budget and schedules, not by irresponsible financial hacking."