French utility GDF Suez’s exploration and production arm is to build its first production hub as an operator in the North Sea after getting the go-ahead from regulators today.
The firm is working on the Juliet gas development in the southern North Sea, which will be a subsea hub tied back to French independent Perenco’s Pickerill platform and on to Theddlethorpe terminal on the Lincolnshire coast.
It will be developed through two subsea wells, with the hope that additional exploration in the area will add to reserves and extend field life.
GDF Suez E&P UK said first gas is expected in quarter four 2013 with peak production expected to be about 5million barrels of oil equivalent per year.
GDF holds 51.56% interest in Juliet with partners First Oil Expro (29.44%) and Hansa Hydrocarbons (19%).
Jean-Claude Perdigues, managing director at GDF Suez E&P UK said: “We are delighted to announce the sanction of Juliet as it marks a significant and exciting milestone as we move towards recognition as an operator of choice in the North Sea.
“Juliet is an important subsea development for us, which incorporates both new and existing infrastructure, and plans are well advanced to deliver first gas.
“The development is in line with our strategy to increase our reserves and production through organic growth in our core regions.”
Two horizontal subsea wells will be tied back by an approximately 22km 12-inch diameter export pipeline and control umbilical to the Pickerill platform operated by Perenco UK.
The wells are expected to be spudded by Q2 2013 with topsides and subsea construction taking place throughout 2013.
The subsea contract will be awarded in summer 2012 and will comprise the installation of the control umbilical and export pipeline.
The scope also includes the installation of a manifold, riser and J-tube on Pickerill.
Existing infrastructure will transport the Juliet gas from Pickerill to the ConocoPhillips UK operated Theddlethorpe terminal on the Lincolnshire coast.