Exploration
In May 2001, an exploration well was discovered at Buzzard on Block 20/6 in the U.K. Central North Sea, 100 kilometres northeast of Aberdeen. The well, drilled by the semi-submersible rig Ocean Nomad (shown in photo), initially encountered a 400-foot gross oil column, which tested at 6,547 bbl/d and one mmcf/d of gas. A subsequent sidetrack extended the oil bearing sands 4,400 feet to the east and increased the gross oil column to 750 feet.
Appraisal
Following the discovery, we began an extensive appraisal program. We drilled six additional wells, two sidetracks, undertook two production tests and performed one water production and injection test. We also acquired a full 3-D seismic survey of 305 sq kms over the entire Buzzard area.
The exploration and appraisal program discovered a large oilfield located in Blocks 19/5a, 19/10, 20/1S and 20/6, with current estimates of gross recoverable reserves in excess of 550 million barrels and an estimated 1.2 billion barrels of oil in place. This makes Buzzard the largest oilfield development in the UK North Sea in over a decade.
Development
During the appraisal program, several different concepts for developing Buzzard were considered before the eventual plan to use three bridge-linked platforms was decided upon.
Detailed facilities design began in July 2003. The Buzzard Environmental Statement was available for public inspection for a 30 day period between June 11 and July 9, 2003.
The U.K. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) approved the Field Development Plan on November 27, 2003. Fabrication of the major structures commenced in January 2004. First oil produced in January 2007.
Read more on development of Buzzard and key milestones.
License Agreement
The co-venturers signed an area operating agreement on November 13, 2003, with the following equity interests:
| Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited (operator) |
43.21254% |
| Petro-Canada U.K. Limited |
29.89122% |
| BG Group |
21.73307% |
| Edinburgh Oil and Gas |
5.16317% |
Last Reviewed:
|
Privacy
