Ithaca Energy said yesterday that its production from the Jacky field was ramping up.
The UK North Sea-focused oil and gas operator said output was now more than 11,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), after production started on April 6 without artificial lift at around 8,800bpd (5,920bpd net to Ithaca).
The Toronto and London-listed company said a downhole pump was brought into action on May 20 boosting output on the inner Moray Firth field and the subsequent optimisation of pump performance had resulted in progressive flow-rate improvement. It added that the daily rate now meant 7,400bpd net to Ithaca, and continued to increase.
Combined rates from the Jacky and nearby Beatrice fields, which both produce to the Nigg oil terminal in Easter Ross, during June were more than 10,900bpd (7,455bpd net to Ithaca).
Ithaca said Jacky had continued to produce “dry” oil, increasing its confidence in the likely ultimate production volume.
It also said it was planning to drill a water-injection well in the third quarter of this year to support and maintain production levels into 2010 and beyond, and that a drilling rig had been identified for the work.
Chief development officer John Woods said: “The continued excellent performance of the Jacky field has increased our confidence in the sustained production and associated revenue that will provide Ithaca with the financial strength necessary to realise its development portfolio.”
Partners in Jacky are Ithaca (67.275% and operator), Dyas UK (22.725%) and North Sea Energy (10%). Partners in Beatrice are Ithaca (74.75% and operator) and Dyas UK (25.25%).
Ithaca announced at the end of last month a deal with Dyas UK which will reduce Ithaca’s interests in Jacky and Beatrice to 47.5% and 50% respectively, with closing of the transaction likely to be completed in the third quarter.