Since initial field start up in April 2009, West Don production has been exported via shuttle tankers loading from a single anchor leg (SAL) mooring system, which enabled early production from the field.
As originally planned, the export has now been switched to a permanent pipeline export route via Lundin’s Thistle platform that is expected to reduce interruption and to improve production stability and export operations, the company said.
The company estimates that West Don production to date through the SAL system accounts for 11% of its proved and probable reserves, leaving the bulk of the field’s reserves to be recovered through the more stable pipeline off take route.
Petrofac, the West Don Field operator together with Lundin (Thistle Operator) began modification of the Thistle platform in late 2008; this work included the installation of a new flexible riser hang off platform. The final tie-ins and pipeline commissioning operations were completed by the end of February 2010.
Mark Bilsland, chief operating officer of Stratic, said: “We are delighted that the West Don field has been successfully tied in to the Brent Pipeline system via the Thistle platform. This planned change over to pipeline export sees the completion of the initial development plan for the West Don field and is expected to improve production and export performance.”
