Maersk Oil UK has released the first images of what its Culzean project – one of the largest North Sea gas discoveries of recent years – will look like.
The firm, along with its co-venturers JX Nippon Exploration and Production and Britoil have chosen a new standalone facility to develop the discovery – a complex of bridge-linked platforms comprising a 12 slot wellhead platform, a central processing facility and living quarters.
The total investment for the project is expected to be in excess of £3billion. Culzean is a Ultra High Pressure/ High Temperature field discovered in 2008 in Block 22/25 of the Central North Sea and further appraised between 2009 and 2011.
If successfully developed, it could provide around 5% of the UK’s total gas consumption by 2020/21. First gas from the project is expected in 2019.
Subject to a final investment decision in 2015, a phased installation of the facilities would begin in 2016.
“We’re pleased to make this announcement today, which means the project is progressing as planned,” said Martin Rune Pedersen, managing director, Maersk Oil UK.
“Culzean is a key growth project for Maersk Oil, but can also be an important new resource for the UK in terms of its potential to support energy security and employment.
“We also hope and expect that these new facilities will not only support production of the Culzean discovery, but serve as a hub for a new development cluster in the surrounding region.
“In this way, the development can play its part in maximising recovery from the UK continental shelf.”
Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Nicky Morgan MP, said: “This is an early indication that the new ultra high pressure, high temperature allowance announced at Budget will enable substantial investment in the North Sea.
“Culzean and other projects supported by the new allowance are expected to create and sustain thousands of jobs.”
Recommended for you
