Total zeroes in on first gas from flagship West of Shetland project

Total is zeroing in on first gas from its flagship Laggan-Tormore project.

The West of Shetland asset has started initial flaring with first gas expected in the coming weeks, according to a Total spokesman.

He said: “Total is importing gas from the SIRGE line to the Shetland Gas Plant as part of the normal start-up process.

“This process commenced with lighting the flare on 31 December and we expect to be flaring intermittently until we are ready to start production. We expect to have first gas from Laggan-Tormore in the coming weeks.”

When normal operations begin only a small flame will be visible from Total’s pilot lights. Total’s flare is purged with nitrogen rather than hydrocarbon gas.

Total’s £3billion Laggan-Tormore gas field will also see the operator become the largest producing oil and gas company in the UK.

First gas was originally expected more than a year ago, however the project was hit with overspend and delays.

Despite the uphill battle, former UK managing director Philippe Guys coined the scheme a “masterpiece of engineering”.

Speaking to Energy Voice before his departure, the industry leader said: “Shetland is really a masterpiece of engineering. It’s the first deep offshore development West of Shetland in very harsh environments.

“It’s very difficult to work there but the good thing is that it’s now within weeks of completion, and this a great pleasure for me to see, because I know that it is a reality – it has been done.”

First gas is expected in the coming weeks.

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