UK-based independent oil company Dana has announced that its new export pipeline linking the Kittiwake platform to the Forties pipeline system has been successfully completed and is fully operational.
The new 10-inch, 33km pipeline linking the Kittiwake platform to BP’s Unity platform has the capacity to carry up to 40,000 barrels of oil per day and will deliver oil production from all of the fields in the Greater Kittiwake area (GKA) in the UK central North Sea.
Replacing the existing shuttle tanker and loading buoy system for oil export, the new pipeline is expected to substantially improve operational uptime, lower overall operating costs and allow GKA field lives to be extended.
In addition, as yet undeveloped discoveries including the Christian, Bligh, Whinchat and Wagtail fields and other exploration prospects may also benefit from the new export route, according to the company statement.
Tom Cross, Dana’s CEO, said: The delivery of this project represents a major step forward for this central North Sea production hub. The new pipeline will deliver significant additional value to the GKA owners and demonstrates their commitment to extending the producing life of this area.