Talisman Sinopec Energy UK has said it is to bring seven drill strings into use on its assets by early 2015 as it ups investment in the North Sea.
From having just one platform rig operational last year, it says it is looking to have four platform-based rigs and three mobile units operational.
Russell Dandie, supply chain manager at Talisman, said in 2012 the number of wells being drilled by the company had been minimal, with just two-three drilled in a two-year period, despite the firm having a large number of assets in the North Sea. However, the joint venture firm has now signed up Odfjell Drilling to carry out two major platform rig upgrades on Fulmar and Piper worth £25million each, he said.
However, speaking at a NOF Energy lunch and learn in Aberdeen, Dandie said due to how busy and resource-constrained the North Sea is becoming, the firm was starting to change how it contracts – from tendering when work is needed to agreeing larger long-term contracts.
“Suppliers will not be there otherwise,” he said. “We are going to be going through a very busy period. In the next 12-18 months we will need more people, drilling providers, service contractors – people and equipment. But while there is a finite amount of equipment in the North Sea, is there the capability?
“There is only one semi-sub I know of available for work in the North Sea before 2014 and it is cold stacked.
“It is a key constraint. It could be made available but can you then crew it?”
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