Apache Corp. reported the Beryl Bravo B73y development well in UK’s North Sea tested at 8,161 b/d of oil and 5.9 MMcf/d of gas.
The company also reached a milestone toward the installation of a satellite production platform that will help extend the life of the Forties Field by nearly two decades.
The B73y well tested a Nansen reservoir containing 22 m (71 ft) of net oil pay and began producing at the end of August. The well also encountered 75 m (245 ft) of net pay in three additional zones that will be produced at a later date. Apache has a 50% interest in the B73y well, which is a follow up to the previously disclosed B72 well that tested in excess of 11,600 b/d and 13 MMcf/d in May 2012. Similarly, the B72 encountered additional pay behind pipe that will be produced at a later date.
In addition, 3-D seismic surveys of the Beryl field began in early August and when completed in mid-October will further refine Apache’s future drilling plans there.
The added volumes from the B73y well will mitigate scheduled downtime of other assets in the North Sea from July to September.
Apache also announced that the jacket for the Forties alpha satellite platform (FASP) has arrived at the Forties field in the North Sea to become a bridged-linked processing facility and drilling platform. The fully commissioned topside and 90 m (295 ft) bridge link are scheduled to be delivered during the 2Q 2013.
FASP will provide Apache with full-fluid processing and contain 18 new production well slots that will facilitate additional drilling in the field commencing in the third quarter of 2013.
Apache acquired the Forties field in 2003, which the previous operator had forecasted would cease producing this year. Apache has invested approximately $4.3 billion in the field, adding an estimated 18 years to the field’s life.
A new 3-D seismic acquisition survey is planned for 2013 over the Forties field area that will be converted to a 4-D interpretation, which has been a key driver of success for locating bypassed or un-swept oil reserves.
