P.O.Box 3, N 4064 Stavanger

Norway

 

 

Oct. 28, 2013

 

Stavanger, Norway – ConocoPhillips has started production from the Ekofisk 2/4 Z platform on Friday 25 October 2013. This marks the start of production from Ekofisk South about two months ahead of schedule, according to the plan for development and operation (PDO) approved by the Norwegian Parliament (the Storting) on 9 June 2011. Ekofisk South is one of several major projects to prepare the Greater Ekofisk Area for another 40 years.

 

The Ekofisk South project comprises the Ekofisk 2/4 Z wellhead platform with 35 production wells and a seabed installation for eight water injection wells. The platform was built by Aker Solutions in Egersund, Norway. Water injection started in May 2013, and is controlled from an operations centre at ConocoPhillips’ offices in Tananger, Norway.

 

This autumn, the comprehensive Ekofisk I cessation project, including removal of nine platforms, was concluded offshore. A total of 120,000 tonnes of material have been transported to land for final disposal, with 97 percent of the materials being recycled. This means that the company has been on schedule for this project, in line with the Storting’s approval in 2001.

 

The new accommodation platform and field centre for Ekofisk were lifted in place in August, according to plan. The platform is now being commissioned with 552 single cabins, offices and recreation areas, medical facility, helideck and two helicopter hangars – to mention just a few of the features. The platform was built at the SMOE yard in Singapore with significant subcontracts from both Norwegian and European suppliers. The steel jacket and bridge were built at Kværner Verdal, Norway. The platform will replace two existing accommodation platforms and a chartered accommodation rig, and it has been built to last for the remaining lifetime of the Ekofisk field.

 

The Eldfisk field is also being readied for another 40 years of operation. Early this summer, the steel jacket, bridge support with flare boom and gangways were installed in line with the PDO approved on 9 June 2011. Meanwhile, the topsides for the Eldfisk 2/7 S platform are being completed at Kværner Stord, Norway. The platform is an integrated wellhead, process and accommodation platform, which will be lifted in place on Eldfisk in the first half of 2014. Major modification work is also underway on the existing Eldfisk platforms, designed to ensure that these platforms are also prepared for extended life along with the new platform. Eldfisk 2/7 S will accommodate 40 new wells for production and water injection, with production start-up planned by early 2015. Pre-drilling of wells is already underway through the Eldfisk 2/7 S jacket.

 

"After 42 years of production from the Ekofisk field, we are now preparing Ekofisk and Eldfisk for another 40 years," said Steinar Våge, president, Europe. "We are in line with the schedules and budgets that were the basis for project approval by the owners and the Norwegian authorities. I am proud of the work being done both in our own company and the contributions being made by our suppliers and contractors. I feel certain that the remaining work will be accomplished with the same safety and high quality."

　

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ConocoPhillips is the world’s largest independent E&P company based on production and proved reserves. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, ConocoPhillips had operations and activities in 30 countries, $55 billion in annualized revenue, $117 billion of total assets, and approximately 17,500 employees as of June 30, 2013. Production from continuing operations averaged 1,531 MBOED for the six months ended June 30, 2013, and proved reserves were 8.6 billion BOE as of Dec. 31, 2012. For more information, go to www.conocophillips.com.

　

Stig S. Kvendseth

+ 47 52 02 12 01

+47 959 45 177