Shell has started oil production from the third phase of its Parque das Conchas (BC-10) development, offshore Brazil, in hopes of adding up to 20,000 boe/d.
The Espirito Santo FPSO. Image from SBM Offshore. |
Since 2009, the deepwater BC-10, in the Campos basin in 1800m water depth, has already produced more than 100 MMbbl. Shell anticipates the latest development to add up to 20,000 boe/d at peak production.
Phase 3 at BC-10 comprises five producing wells in two Campos basin fields, Massa and O-South, in addition to two water-injection wells.
Subsea wells at the development connect to the Espirito Santo floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, which has a processing capacity of 100,000 boe/d, sitting more than 150km (150km) off Brazil.
"With this phased project, we have again demonstrated value from standardization, synergies from contractual relationships, and the strategic deployment of new technologies,” said Wael Sawan, Shell executive vice-president, deepwater. “These barrels, like other subsea tieback opportunities across our deepwater portfolio, have development cost advantages and will contribute to the strong production growth we expect from offshore Brazil."
The first phase of BC-10 included the development of three fields connected to the FPSO via subsea wells and manifolds. The double-hulled FPSO’s design required significant power and heat delivery systems to drive the seabed lift equipment and process the heavy crudes. The development wells were drilled by Global Santa Fe’s Arctic 1 drilling rig. The fields came on stream in July 2009. This first phase involved nine producing wells and one gas injector well. By July 2013 the project had produced more than 70 MMboe.
Phase 2 of the project, to tie-in the Argonauta O-North field, came on stream in October 2013. It had an estimated peak production of 35,000 boe/d.
Shell operates Parque das Conchas with 50% stake, with partners ONGC (27%) and Qatar Petroleum International (23%).
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