FPSO tender for SNE field slated for 1Q 2018

Partners in the SNE field development offshore Senegal have achieved a concept select decision and the tendering process for the FPSO and subsea facilities is expected in the first quarter of 2018. 

Cairn Energy is the operator of three blocks offshore Senegal (Rufisque, Sangomar and Sangomar Deep (RSSD)). The Sangomar Deep portion of offshore Senegal PSC contains the SNE field. Cairn’s partners off Senegal are Woodside, FAR Limited, and Petrosen.

Woodside has been active in the offshore region of Senegal since 2016 when it acquired a material position in the SNE field from ConocoPhillips. In 2017, Woodside became Development Lead for the SNE Field Development-Phase 1 and plans to transition to operator of the RSSD blocks in 2018. Woodside’s participation in the acreage offshore Senegal was challenged by partner FAR.

Woodside said in its annual report for 2017 on Wednesday that for early commercialization and ongoing optimization of the development plan, a phased development is proposed, focusing first on the less complex lower reservoir units. Subsequent phases will target more complex reservoir units, the company said.

Phase 1 development

The joint venture achieved a concept select decision at the end of 2017 and entered concept definition. The Phase 1 development concept for the SNE field is a stand-alone FPSO facility with subsea infrastructure. It will be designed to allow subsequent SNE development phases, including options for potential gas export to shore and for future subsea tiebacks from other reservoirs and fields.

Phase 1 will include oil production as well as gas and water injection wells. The expected FPSO oil production capacity is approximately 100,000 bbl/day. Gas sales opportunities are being explored to support incremental gas export to shore.

According to Woodside, expressions of interest have been sought and subsequent engagement held with contractors and operators for subsea and FPSO facilities prior to a formal tendering process, expected in 1Q 2018. The joint venture is considering a redeployed FPSO facility as the preferred development opportunity.

In August 2017, the environmental baseline survey was completed and the Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process started. The joint venture is targeting submission of the ESIA in 2Q 2018.

Work is progressing on detailed concept definition work which will lead to front-end engineering and design beginning in 4Q 2018, in parallel with anticipated approval of the Exploitation Plan.

As reported earlier by Offshore Energy Today, the final investment decision (FID) for the project is targeted for early 2019. First oil from SNE is expected in 2022.

SNE drilling

Appraisal drilling continued in 2017, improving the understanding of the reservoir and the optimal development plan.

The 2017 drilling campaign on the Senegalese acreage was completed with five exploration and appraisal wells drilled ahead of schedule and under budget. Data from the campaign is currently being analysed to inform future activities.

The joint venture is now reviewing potential 2018 drilling opportunities, including a prospect in the shallow water Rufisque offshore block. The forecast drilling activity plan schedules this activity for the fourth quarter of 2018.

Offshore Energy Today Staff