Shell is set to resume production at its Pierce project in the UK North Sea at the end of March after a six-month hiatus. This restart marks a crucial step forward in the restructuring of the field and underscores the importance of the energy sector in the region.
Suspension of the Pierce project
The outage was due to problems with the mooring lines of the FPSO Haewene Brim, highlighting the technical challenges of offshore power production. With the relaunch of the project, Shell seeks to increase its production and contribute to the UK’s energy independence.
The Pierce field, located about 265 km east of Aberdeen, experienced a production interruption in August last year due to problems with its tie-back line connections. The problem, identified in one of the critical components of the field, led to a temporary pause in operations.
Aurelia Energy, which is associated with the FPSO property, reported that repairs on one of the lines were successfully completed in mid-February and production is expected to resume later this month, subject to necessary approvals. Another mooring line, which is not critical to the integrity of the system, is planned for repair later in the year, which will further ensure the operational stability of the field.
The oil company’s decision to restructure the Pierce field represents a strategic shift toward tapping the field’s associated gas reserves. The restructuring includes the installation of a new gas pipeline for the export of gas to gas export pipeline to the St Fergus terminal in Aberdeenshire, demonstrating Shell’s commitment to to the St Fergus terminal in Aberdeenshire, demonstrating Shell’s commitment to strengthening the UK’s energy infrastructure.
With Shell holding 92.52% and Ithaca Energy holding the remainder, successful completion of the project is anticipated to increase production to 30,000 barrels per day. This development not only highlights the company’s investment in the UK North Sea, but also aligns with industry trends towards maximizing the potential of existing fields.
The UK’s challenges within the energy sector
Importantly, the restart of the Pierce project comes at a critical time for the UK energy sector, which faces the challenges of ensuring energy security and transitioning to greener alternatives. Shell’s investment in field restructuring, following a final investment decision in 2019, highlights the continued importance of the North Sea as a key source of energy.
In addition, completion of the project is expected to contribute significantly to the UK’s energy mix, providing a reliable source of gas amid fluctuating global energy markets. As the industry moves forward, the Pierce project could serve as a model for revitalizing mature fields by leveraging existing infrastructure for sustainable energy production.
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Source: bnnbreaking.com
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