From Petrobras awarding OneSubsea a major contract to a production restart offshore Thailand, below is a compilation of the latest headlines in the E&P space.
Activity headlines
BP and Iraq to Negotiate Redevelopment Program in Kirkuk
BP signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Republic of Iraq to negotiate a material integrated redevelopment program for the Kirkuk region, BP said on Aug. 1. The agreement spans oil and gas investment, power generation and solar, as well as wider exploration activities.
The MOU includes the Baba and Avanah domes and three adjacent fields—Bai Hassan, Jambur and Khabbaz—in Federal Iraq, that are operated by Iraq’s North Oil Co.
In addition to a drilling program, facilities will be repaired where needed and new gas expansion facilities will be built. BP has also proposed exploration opportunities for investment into power generation and the introduction of solar power facilities to the region.
Negotiations are expected to be complete early in 2025.
Valeura Restarts Production Offshore Thailand
Valeura Energy has restarted production at the Wassana field offshore Thailand, the company said on Aug. 2.
Valeura suspended oil production on June 28 to inspect an anomaly on its mobile offshore production unit. The company determined the anomaly was superficial.
Valeura anticipated achieving pre-suspension oil production rates of approximately 5,000 bbl/d within a week.
Strike Energy Reports Gas, Liquids Finds in Perth Basin
Strike Energy has confirmed the presence of a new movable conventional gas at the Walyering gas field in the Perth Basin, the company announced Aug. 2.
Maximum gas and condensate rates over the 40-day test period were 14 terajoules per day and 900 bbl/d, respectively. The test yielded positive results, with the gas samples having a higher heating value and higher condensate gas ratio.
Walyering-7 will now be shut in and prepared for the permanent tie into the Walyering gas processing facility, which is expected to be completed before the end of the quarter.
Contracts and company news
Petrobras Awards OneSubsea Pair of Contracts Offshore Brazil
Petrobras has awarded SLB’s OneSubsea a major contract for its subsea production systems in Brazil’s offshore Santos Basin, SLB said on Aug. 2.
As part of the second development of Brazil’s Atapu and Sepia fields, SLB OneSubsea will provide the Petrobras-standard configured, pre-salt vertical trees, subsea distribution units, subsea control systems and pipeline systems, along with related installation, commissioning and life-of-field services.
The projects will include the addition of two new FPSO platforms, P-84 (Atapu) and P-85 (Sepia). They will each have a daily production capacity of 225,000 bbl/d and process 10 MMcm/d.
ADNOC Implements AI Solutions at Offshore SARB Field
After implementing AI-enabled digital operations, ADNOC’s offshore Satah Al Razboot (SARB) Field has achieved a 25% increase in production capacity, the company announced July 30.
Located 120 km northwest of Abu Dhabi, the SARB Field has increased production to 140,000 bbl/d. The digital solutions implemented onsite at SARB allow the field to be operated remotely from Zirku island, 20 km away.
The technologies deployed at SARB Field include tools developed by AIQ, the Abu Dhabi-based AIQ. The company’s DrillRep and OptiDrill solutions process data from rigs and wells at the field, enhancing drilling efficiency and optimization.
ADNOC aims to reach a production capacity of 5 MMbbl/d of oil by 2027.
Montrose Environmental Group Deploys Leak Detection Sensor Network
Environmental solutions company, Montrose Environmental Group deployed its leak detection sensor network (LDSN) solution for the first time at a U.S. Gulf Coast refinery on July 30.
Montrose partnered with a refinery to deploy an alternative to its existing leak detection and repair program (LDAR) through the development of an LDSN. Key components of the LDSN includes real-time sensors to continuously monitor for emissions leaks and use of Montrose’s Sensible EDP software to send alerts.
The EPA allows for alternative means of emission limitation for nonstandard leak detection monitoring systems through the Clean Air Act. This recent authorization empowers facilities to employ a more dynamic approach to its LDAR program compliance through an LDSN.
Recommended Reading
DC Appeals Court Sends Louisiana LNG Permit Decision Back to FERC
2024-07-17 - The Washington D.C. Court of Appeals' decision follows a railroad dispute headed to the Supreme Court this fall.
Glenfarne Seeks Five More Years to Build Texas LNG Export Plant
2024-05-29 - Glenfarne said in its FERC filing that the project was delayed due to "extenuating circumstances outside of Texas LNG's control."
The Biden Effect: LNG SPAs Fall 15% in First Half 2024 After Pause
2024-07-03 - Poten & Partners data show that the total volumes associated with LNG sale and purchase agreements fell by 15% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 following the Biden administration’s LNG pause.
FERC Approves Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass 2 LNG Project
2024-06-27 - Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass 2 was delayed due to changes at the overall site and within U.S. environmental law. The project remains subject to the LNG export pause initiated by the Biden administration.
Glenfarne: HOAs Commit More than Half of Texas LNG Plant Capacity
2024-07-02 - Glenfarne Energy Transition said a new, nonbinding agreement has committed half of the Texas LNG Brownsville plant's 4 million tons/year capacity.