A new alliance has been formed giving North Sea oil firms a quicker and cheaper means of developing their fields using platforms owned by Repsol Sinopec Resources UK (RSRUK).
The Aberdeen-headquartered firm has joined forces with energy service giants TechnipFMC and Petrofac to lay on an “an integrated, technically robust and commercially flexible solution”.
The trio are seeking to maximise the recovery of oil and gas from the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).
RSRUK, a Spanish-Chinese joint venture, said it was providing access to its facilities under the “industry-led infrastructure code of practice”.
The company will be hoping to prolong the production life of assets in its portfolio, which contains some of the most mature platforms on the UKCS.
TechnipFMC will deploy its iFEED front-end engineering and design service and its integrated subsea business model, iEPCI.
For its part, Petrofac will provide all topsides engineering and operations support.
RSRUK chief executive Jose Luis Munoz said the industry had to get better at recognising the benefits of utilising existing North Sea infrastructure to deliver more barrels and minimise carbon emissions.
Mr Munoz added: “This industry collaboration brings together three well respected, experienced companies that have the resources, drive and ambition to support the continued success of the industry for many years to come.”
Nick Shorten, managing director of Petrofac’s engineering and production services, west business, said: “With more than three billion barrels locked in marginal fields across the UKCS, small pools represent a big opportunity.
“Industry level collaborations such as this will drive the standardisation required to reduce the time and cost of tie-back developments.
“Petrofac is thrilled to combine the asset knowledge gained as Repsol Sinopec’s operations and maintenance partner, with our engineering and project management expertise in support of this exciting collaboration.”
Jonathan Landes, president subsea, TechnipFMC, said: “We are delighted to play a part in helping to maximise recovery of oil and gas from the UK Continental Shelf.
“Leveraging our integrated subsea business models, iFEED and iEPCI, we are ideally placed to support and optimise future development opportunities from early concept to first production and beyond while minimising the carbon footprint.
“With a shared commitment to excellence in Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards, we look forward to working with Repsol Sinopec to deliver a culture of efficiency, standardisation and sharing of best practice as we adopt this unique and important alliance in the UK.”