Supermajor BP is a step closer to starting up its US$7 billion (£4.5 billion) west of Shetland Clair Ridge development after a major heavy lifting installation campaign.
BP, with partners ConocoPhillips, Chevron and Shell, oversaw the installation of the new Clair Ridge platform’s quarters and utilities (QU) topside modules using Heerema Marine Contractor's Thialf semisubmersible crane vessel.
Image at right: The Clair Ridge 9400-tonne GM module being lifted into place by Heerema Marine Contractor's Thialf semisubmersible crane vessel.
Clair Ridge is the second phase of development for the Clair field, which is estimated to produce 7-8 billion boe.
Clair Ridge comprises two bridge linked platforms and will have the capability to produce an estimated 640 MMbo over 40 years, with peak production expected to be 120,000 bo/d. Clair Ridge will also see the first sanctioned, large scale offshore enhanced oil recovery scheme using reduced salinity water injection (LoSal EOR) to increase recovery rates.
And, BP does not see this as the final development for the field, which first came on stream in 2005, with a single fixed facility.
The supermajor has been considering a further phase of development, which could see another new, large central processing facility built in the field, to help fully tap the widely-spread Clair reservoirs, the firm revealed at the Oil & Gas UK Pilot Share Fair late last year.
Image at right: The Clair Ridge GM and LQ modules onboard Dockwise's Mighty Servant transportation vessel ready for installation.
The QU platform comprises three modules – the quarters and utilities integrated deck (QUID), which has
a lift weight of 9400-tonne; the power generation (GM) module which has a lift weight of 4550-tonne; and the living quarters (LQ) module which has a lift weight of 2210-tonne.
The platform jackets for the project were installed in 2013.
Image at right: The Thialf lifting the Clair Ridge LQ module into place.
First production had been scheduled for late 2016. However, BP today says the next major milestone in the project will be the installation of the production and drilling (DP) platform topside modules, scheduled for summer 2016, which will put production with an estimated start up in late 2017.
Trevor Garlick, Regional President for BP’s North Sea business said: “In a challenging time for the industry, this project shows the potential of our basin and why it is so important that we work to ensure a competitive future business.”
Image at left: Thialf lifting the QUID module into place at Clair Ridge.
Approximately half of the Clair Ridge investment is occurring in the UK, with over 80 British companies providing engineering design and support service, hook-up and installation services, manpower and a wide range of engineered equipment.
Read more
Subscribe
