An arm of German utility E.ON is a step closer to its first oil from its Huntington field in the central North Sea.
Floating production vessel the Voyageur Spirit is due to arrive at the field operated by E.ON E&P on Thursday after leaving the Nymo upgrade yard at Eydehavn, Norway, on Sunday.
First oil is hoped for by the end of the year.
Work on the vessel, previously called the Sevan Voyageur, had been delayed and costs had overrun amid financial difficulties at owner Sevan Marine. The firm agreed last year to sell some of its floating production vessels as well as a stake in the firm to marine company Teekay. This included the Sevan Voyageur.
The upgrade included increasing the vessel’s oil-processing capacity from 20,000 to 30,000 barrels of oil per day, adding gas compression of 38million standard cubic feet per day and adding 48,000 barrels of water injection capacity per day.
E.ON E&P holds a 25% interest in Huntington with Premier Oil having 40%, Noreco 20% and Carrizo 15%.