Repsol Sinopec Resources UK has confirmed that first oil from the Montrose area redevelopment in the UK's Central North Sea has started coming in.
Repsol Sinopec stated that the Montrose Area Redevelopment (MAR) is a major capital project with significant potential to add to Montrose area’s long term infrastructure.
The project includes three new field developments including Godwin, Cayley and Shaw and a new bridge-linked production platform (BLP), connected to the Montrose Alpha to offer additional process and plant support facilities.
The oil and gas company stated that the Godwind field has been developed through an extended reach well from the Arbroath platform, while Cayley and Shaw fields were developed as subsea tie-backs to the BLP.
The Shaw production is to be followed by Cayley by the end of this second quarter. A gross incremental production peak of up to 40,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day is expected from the fields.
Overall, the project is expected to unlock about 100 million barrels of oil equivalent in additional reserves.
Apart from developing new fields, the MAR project could extend the life of the existing Montrose Area fields beyond 2030.
Repsol Sinopec Resources UK managing director Bill Dunnett said: “This is a major achievement for this business and will help to consolidate the transformation that Repsol Sinopec Resources has undergone in the last two years.
“The Montrose Area is a key part of our long-term future and we look forward to it safely delivering value for us, our shareholders and our partner Marubeni for many years to come.”
Oil and Gas Authority CEO Andy Samuel said: “First oil from Repsol Sinopec Resources and Marubeni’s Montrose Area Redevelopment project epitomises the additional value that can be achieved by integrating new and existing infrastructure to unlock significant resources from fields across the UK Continental Shelf.
“The investment in the new bridge linked platform will substantially increase the life of the Montrose Area fields with the construction stage supporting many jobs in the supply chain, including the construction of the jacket on Tyneside. Successful delivery of major capital projects brings significant benefits to the UK and has a vital part to play in maximising economic recovery.”