Project-management contractor EPC Offshore said yesterday it had won a major deal to select the best concept for the development of Hurricane’s Lancaster field, which has been described as one of the most significant oil discoveries west of Shetland in recent years.
The year-long deal, worth about £2million, is one of the largest projects the Aberdeen-based contractor has secured to date.
It is also EPC’s first contract in south-east England where it will establish a dedicated team of specialists in Surrey.
Chief executive Keith Wallace said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us. We conducted work for Hurricane during the early stages of field appraisal, so we are delighted to have been chosen to select the optimum concept for developing this dynamic project.
“It will involve an integrated approach with our Aberdeen office supporting a newly created development team of engineers and technical specialists based in Hurricane’s office in Surrey.
“This is a very important project for us. We have a proven track record for delivering on major developments through our work on the Stella and Rochelle fields and this new partnership with Hurricane really cements our position as the people who turn opportunities into assets.”
EPC employs 70 people. Hurricane has a 100% holding in Lancaster, which could hold more than 200million barrels of recoverable oil.
Keith Kirby, the oil firm’s chief communications officer, said: “We are delighted to be working with the EPC team.
“EPC’s professionalism and expertise is invaluable in the development planning for Lancaster.
“It’s great to see them integrating into our Eashing office so quickly and working closely with us.
“This is an important step in Hurricane’s development strategy.”