The giant Maersk Oil UK-operated Culzean project – one of the largest gas discoveries of recent years in the UK North Sea – has taken a significant step forward.
Maersk Oil UK and its co-venturers JX Nippon Exploration and Production (UK) Limited and Britoil (BP) have chosen a new standalone facility to develop the discovery involving a complex of bridge-linked platforms comprising a 12-slot wellhead platform, a central processing facility and utilities/living quarters.
The total investment for the project is expected to be in excess of £3 billion. KBR London has been selected as the FEED contractor. In addition, a significant drilling commitment has been announced, with the selection of a newbuild Heavy Duty Jack Up (HDJU) rig provided by Hercules Offshore, Inc.
Ultra High Pressure/ High Temperature (uHP/HT) projects require significant pre-investment and- in order to commence drilling in 2016 – contracts will be placed now for the rig and later in by the end of this year for the well-head platform jacket.
The operators are holding a supply-chain conference in Aberdeen next month.
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