ROC advises that production from the Cliff Head oil field, offshore Western Australia, in which its subsidiary, Roc Oil (WA) Pty Ltd, holds a 37.5% participating interest, has been temporarily suspended since 17 February following advice from BP that it had identified organic chloride in Cliff Head crude delivered to the BP refinery on 15 February.
ROC understands that the organic chloride may have been related to batch chemical treatments being undertaken as part of the current Cliff Head 12 well workover.
To facilitate the restoration of crude production and export, a flushing programme has been conducted to clear the Cliff Head production system of any potential residual organic chlorides. There have been no losses of containment or environmental incidents as a result of this activity. Regulatory authorities have been informed of the temporary shutdown in accordance with requirements.
Prior to the suspension, Cliff Head production was at reduced levels because of workover activity and was averaging approximately 3,000 BOPD (ROC: 1,125 BOPD).
ROC considers that the Cliff Head field is now ready to return to production, pending resolution with BP. ROC will advise the market once production from the Cliff Head field has recommenced.
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Source:ROC, February 24, 2011; Image:Awe