Serica Energy has announced that a new pipeline is being constructed to solve reccurring issues with wax build-up at the Erskine field.
Wax restrictions have been a consistent problem in recent years at the export pipeline which is linked to the Lomond field, operated by Chrysaor.
Serica holds an 18% interest in Erskine.
A new export bypass pipeline – proposed by Chrysaor – is now being constructed to provide a long-term solution to the issue and is expected to be completed in Q3 of this year.
Serica chief executive Mitch Flegg said: “In 2016 and 2017 there have been wax build-up problems. It’s on the export line for Lomond as Erskine is produced via the Lomond platform. We have repaired the problem each time the wax problem has occurred.
“However, all of the interested parties have got together and said that if we solve it again, it might reoccur in time so we need to put a permanent solution in place.
“That will involve putting a new pipeline in place to solve the issue and we have committed to that work.”
In January, Serica announced that the pipeline between the Lomond and Everest platforms had become blocked during cleaning operations.
Erskine fluids are transported to the Chrysaor-operated Lomond platform for processing, 18 miles away.
Serica’s income in 2016 was dented by a prolonged shut-in on Erskine after a pipeline became blocked.
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