Independent oil firm i3 Energy says detailed engineering studies into a tieback for its Liberator field have started.
The firm is looking to tie the field into the Blake field host infrastructure, then through the Bleo Holm floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.
The engineering studies, to be undertaken by Repsol Sinopec Resources UK, the operator of the Blake field and Bleo Holm, will confirm the final technical requirements and installation schedule for the tie-in.
The Liberator field development plan is currently under consultation with the Oil & Gas Authority. An Environmental Statement for the proposed development is due to be published shortly.
i3 says it is in discussions with the supply chain and multiple sources of potential financing to fully fund the Liberator development. Martyn Eames, i3’s commercial manager, said the firm is on track for drilling operations and subsea tie-in activities in 2018.