Premier to sanction Catcher tie-backs in 1Q 2019

UK-based Premier Oil has found several tie-back options for its Catcher development in the UK North Sea, with an aim to sanction the project during the first quarter of 2019. 

The Catcher Area, which started oil production in December 2017 through the BW Offshore-owned Catcher FPSO, reached contracted plateau production rates of 60 kbopd (gross) in May with day rates of up to 70 kboepd (gross) having been achieved after the first half of the year.

As delivery potential from the available wells remains significantly in excess of the FPSO design capacity, preliminary discussions have started with the FPSO provider BW Offshore about sustaining production rates above the currently contracted 60 kbopd (gross).

The completion of of the current phase of the Catcher Area development is expected by November following completion of the 17th and 18th producer well.

As the next step, the company said on Thursday it has identified several near field discoveries as potential high value subsea tie-backs to the Catcher Area FPSO to maintain and extend plateau production.

In particular, the development concepts for the Laverda and Catcher North oil accumulations have been selected and will comprise two development wells drilled from a common drill centre tied back to the Varadero manifold. Project sanction is targeted for the first quarter of 2019.

In addition, Premier has identified potential infill well locations targeting resources beyond the reach of the initial production wells. Premier also plans to acquire 4D seismic to help define future infill drilling locations.

In February, Premier was awarded two blocks adjacent to the Catcher Area in the UK 30th Offshore Licensing Round. One of the blocks lies to the south of the Catcher field and contains the Bonneville discovery, a potential future tie-back to the Catcher Area infrastructure.

Offshore Energy Today Staff