The Sillimanite gas field is located approximately 200km off the coast of Den Helder
The E18-A platform at sea. (Credit: Wintershall Dea)
Wintershall Noordzee has commenced gas production from Sillimanite field in the Southern North Sea.
Discovered in June 2015, the gas field is located approximately 200km off the coast of Den Helder and stretches across the UK and the Dutch Continental Shelves.
Wintershall Noordzee is a joint venture of Wintershall Dea and Gazprom EP International.
Dijkgraaf added: “As part of our sustainability programme, we pay highest attention to the re-use of offshore platforms where the production has ceased. In this way, we can further improve our company’s environmental footprint and at the same time keep our operations cost-efficient. Giving this platform topside a third life, now at Sillimanite is a best-case example for our industry.
“In addition, Sillimanite will be monitored 24/7 from the Remote-Control Operations Center in Den Helder. This enables us to make our operations even leaner and more cost efficient. The project was delivered safely, within just 16 months from the investment decision.”
Sillimanite field is operated by Wintershall Noordzee
Wintershall Noordzee operates the field with 39.7% stake while other partners include Energie Beheer Nederland (25%), Gazprom International UK (19.9%), Neptune Energy Netherlands (2.3%), Neptune Netherlands Participation (1.6%), Neptune E&P UK (3.6%), ONE-Dyas (3.1%) and ONEDyas UK (4.8%).
The gas produced from field will be transported through the 12km-long pipeline connecting the D12-B platform to the existing Neptune-operated D15-A production platform.
The gas will then be transported to shore through the NGT (Noordgastransport) gas transportation system.
Recently, Wintershall Dea signed a concession agreement with Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry for exploration of oil and gas in the East Damanhour block.