Banchory-based Sterling Resources said today it was a step closer to production on the southern North Sea Breagh gas field.
The Alpha platform for the project, operated by RWE Dea, has been installed.
This includes a 2,000-tonnne jacket, with eight piles weighing a further 2,000 tonnes, installed by Heerema Marine Contractor’s heavy lift vessel Thialf 62 miles east of Teesside.
Further work involved the lift and setting of the 1,400-tonne integrated deck topsides.
The field is one of the largest natural gas discoveries to be developed in the UK southern North Sea in recent years.
John Rapach, Sterling’s chief operating officer, said: “The successful installation of the Breagh Alpha platform is another major milestone in the development of the Breagh gas field as we advance towards initial gas production in mid 2012.”
The firm would be drilling new production wells and completing the onshore facilities over the coming months, he added.
RWE Dea holds a 70% interest in the Breagh gas field. Sterling holds the remaining 30%.
Sterling is listed in Canada and has assets in the UK, Romania, France and the Netherlands.