Serica Energy, a partner in the Chevron-run Erskine field in the UK sector of the North Sea, is going to have to wait more than previously anticipated to restart production from the field.
The company on Friday said it had been advised by the operator of the Lomond platform – Chrysaor – of a further a delay to the restart of Erskine production pending completion of repairs required to a caisson on the Lomond platform and receipt of approval to restart from the operator of the Forties Pipeline System (“FPS”), through which Erskine liquids are transported to shore.
It was expected that production would restart on or around September 13, but is not now expected until near the end of September, although an earlier date is possible, Serica said.
According to Serica, the FPS approval process is customary for fields after shut-down but additional checks have been requested by the FPS operator following the treatment process used to clear wax deposits in the Lomond to Everest pipeline.
Following receipt of FPS approval and completion of the Lomond caisson repairs Erskine production is planned to be increased to full capacity to flush the Lomond to Everest liquids export pipeline and enable full monitoring of the results of the treatment process.
Serica’s Executive Chairman, Tony Craven Walker , said: “The monitoring required by the FPS operator and the need to undertake caisson repairs affects the restart of Erskine production but is not expected to materially affect forward production plans. The Company will announce the restart of production when this takes place and will provide a full update at the end of the month when we release our first half results.”
Offshore Energy Today Staff