ConocoPhillips will restart a number of wells at the Penglai 19-3 oil field in China’s Bohai Bay to discharge fluid from the reservoir and reduce reservoir pressure, CNOOC Ltd said in a statement published on Monday.
The “depressurization” and “sealing” plans to reduce reservoir pressure and seal seep sources submitted by ConocoPhillips require approvals from China National Offshore Oil Corp. — CNOOC’s state-owned parent company.
“The general principle for depressurization established in the Plan is to discharge fluid and reduce pressure from the wells located at the high pressure zones or near the natural fault,” CNOOC said.
“The [sealing plan] outlines measures to drill wells intended to provide additional sealing barriers and to reduce pressure in targeted zones,” ConocoPhillips said in a statement on its website.
Under the sealing plan, ConocoPhillips will carry out drilling activities and other related operations on six wells in the area of platforms B and C, as additional measures for sealing seep sources.
The latest steps are not an indication of a resumption of normal operations, the US company said.
“We are implementing a plan, as directed by [the] authorities, to [depressurize] and safeguard the reservoir,” it said.
Earlier this month, the State Oceanic Administration ordered a complete shutdown of production at the Penglai 19-3 oil field and said that it will make claims against the US oil major for damage to the marine environment due to an oil spill.
ConocoPhillips is the operator of the field, with a 49% interest, while CNOOC holds the majority 51% stake.
By Calvin Lee (Platts)
[mappress] Source:Platts ,September 12, 2011; Image:ConocoPhillips