North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC) began work to start production of Kashagan field in the Caspian Sea. The first phase will see production from eight wells on an artificial island complex. Wells, pipelines, and the Bolashak Onshore Processing facility have been completed. Offshore production and treatment facilities on the artificial island complex are in the final stages of commissioning.
“During 2013-14, production will be progressively ramped up to the design capacity from 180,000b/d in the first stage, and up to 370,000b/d in the second stage,” says NCOC.
Kashagan field is 75km southeast of the city of Atyrau, capital of Atyrau Province, Kazakhstan. The reservoir lies about 4,200m deep, beneath 3–5m water, and extends over an area of about 75km by 45km. Kashagan and neighbouring fields in the Caspian Sea hold 35billion bbls of estimated oil reserves in place.