Conoco gets nod to develop Viking satellites

• Conoco's Viking Phoenix Development Layout [36058 bytes]

The four accumulations-F and Fs, which are part of Viking A field; and Gn and Wx, which are part of Viking E field-have combined estimated reserves of 500 bcf of gas.

Project details

Development of the four satellites will be known as the Viking Phoenix project. Two unmanned platforms will be installed, one to deplete F and Fs and one to deplete Wx and Gn.

Output from the two new platforms is expected to peak at 300 MMcfd. Field life for the four satellites is estimated at 15 years.

Produced gas will be sent by pipeline to Viking B complex for processing. From Viking B, gas will go to Viking A riser platform for export via the Viking Transmission System to Theddlethorpe terminal, Lincolnshire.

F and Fs finds lie on Block 49/12a in 30 m of water. They were discovered in 1973 and 1976, respectively. Wx and Gn finds lie on Block 49/17 in 30 m of water and were discovered in 1969 and 1976, respectively.

The F/Fs platform will be connected to Viking BD platform by a 15-km, 16-in. pipeline. A subsea tee will connect the Wx/Gn platform to this pipeline.

Six production wells will be used, including four new wells to be drilled ahead of first gas and two appraisal wells, 49/12a-9 and 49/17-12, to be converted to producers.

Conoco said the development wells will be a mix of deviated, horizontal, and multilateral boreholes to reduce the number required and to allow use of smaller platforms.

Fracturing techniques will be used on Wx wells to improve productivity. The four accumulations are in Rotliegendes sandstone at depths of about 8,500 ft.

Conoco intends to let an engineering, procurement, installation, and commissioning contract for the two platforms and a separate contract for the infield pipeline during April.

Background

Viking field partners are operator Conoco and BP Exploration Operating Co. Ltd. 50% each.

Viking A field began production in 1972, and since then Viking A and B fields have produced more than 2.8 tcf of gas.

The Viking A riser platform is the only remaining structure in Viking A field.

Last year, Conoco removed four platforms that had not been upgraded to meet recent U.K. offshore regulations (OGJ, June 3, 1996, p. 20).