BP has started its third major upstream project of the year in the Gulf of Mexico.
The firm says first oil production is under way at the Na Kika Phase 3 project, with a second well expected to start up in the second quarter.
The project will see the drilling and completion of two new wells, addition of subsea infrastructure to tieback to the Na Kika platform and new equipment to increase production from an existing well at the site.
The Na Kika semi-submersible platform is located around 140 miles south-east of New Orleans in depths of over 1,800m.
BP is operator with a 50% working interest, with Shell holding the remaining 50% stake. First production at the site began in 2003.
The project is BP’s third major upstream project in 2014 so far, following on from the Chirag Oil project in Azerbaijan and the Mars B project in the Gulf of Mexico.
The major says a further three upstream projects are expected to start in 2014.
“The Na Kika Phase 3 project demonstrates BP’s ongoing commitment to the deepwater Gulf of Mexico and highlights our portfolio’s ability to unlock value for investors while also delivering vital energy resources to the United States,” said BP regional president for the Gulf of Mexico, Richard Morrison.
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