Shell has restarted production at the Penguins field in the UK North Sea using a state-of-the-art floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit. This development marks the return of a key source of energy following the closure of the Brent Charlie platform in 2021.
A boost for energy production
The new FPSO named “Penguins” has an estimated maximum capacity of 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) , with projected recoverable resources of approximately 100 million barrels. Although the primary focus is oil, enough gas will also be generated to supply around 700,000 British homes annually.
The extracted gas will be transported via the existing pipeline to the St Fergus terminal in north-east Scotland, facilitating its distribution to the UK national grid. The oil will then be exported by tanker to refineries outside the country, including those that supply refined products such as petrol and diesel.
Efficiency and emission reduction
One of the highlights of the new Penguins FPSO is its operational efficiency, achieving a 30% reduction in emissions compared to its predecessor. The facility has been designed with a compact cylindrical hull and a flare-less system, which allows steam to be recycled in the tanks and reduces its environmental impact.
Shell’s Director of Integrated Gas and Upstream, Zoë Yujnovich, stressed the importance of this project within the UK’s energy supply strategy and noted that the Penguins field is a reliable source of domestic production in a context where demand outstrips national production.
Future of the Penguins deposit
The development of the Penguins field is part of the company’s commitments to optimize its energy portfolio and reduce its carbon footprint . The company projects that this infrastructure will extend the useful life of the field by up to 20 years , aligning with its energy transition strategy towards net zero emissions by 2050.
In addition, the recent partnership with Equinor UK Ltd will allow Shell to consolidate its assets in the North Sea , creating the largest independent oil and gas producer in this region . This union will strengthen Shell’s competitiveness and its capacity to invest in low-impact environmental technology.
With this restart of operations, Shell strengthens its position in the UK energy sector and demonstrates its commitment to more efficient and sustainable production.
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Source: Shell
Photo: Shutterstock
