Hurricane Energy says a boulder relocation programme at its Lancaster site West of Shetland has been completed, allowing subsea infrastructure to be put in place.
The UK-based firm contracted Technip FMC to carry out the work, which was completed in November.
Following analysis from Bluewater Energy Services as installation operator, and DNV GL, no further boulder relocation is required.
Hurricane says this is “positive news”, bringing the firm closer to the planned first oil date next year.
Chief executive Robert Trice said: “”I am pleased that the boulder relocation works completed in 2017 are sufficient to allow us to continue with our 2018 operations without the requirement for another dedicated boulder relocation programme. This positive news further de-risks our installation programme and brings us closer to our planned first oil date.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bluewater for their timely review and our continued constructive working relationship.”
Over 500million barrels of oil are estimated to be recoverable from the Lancaster site.