Angus Energy plc said that all equipment under firm bids from fabricators and assemblers remained within budget but first gas has been slightly delayed at its Saltfleetby gas field.
Only the pipework, low budget accessories and one bespoke dehydration unit are awaiting final quotes.
FIRST GAS
The company now anticipates first gas at PEDL005 (51% interest) during February 2022 due to the lead time of 24 weeks for two highly bespoke elements of the production process equipment.
These are the dew point control system (Joule Thomson skid) and condensate stabilisation unit required as part of the production set up.
The delivery date is indicated for January 2022, meaning commissioning and first gas will be during the following month.
Angus had planned a 16-18 week lead time but the recent increase in gas prices and activity, combined with Covid restrictions, led to delays with a number of contractors.
The company said that the additional weeks would allow a more manageable and measured commissioning timeline, and give more latitude should Angus and its partners decide to advance the sidetrack prior to first gas.
Tendering for the sidetrack is complete and Angus is currently evaluating the bids.
DELIVERIES
Angus said that procurement and construction had been slightly delayed but remained well within the budgeted timeline.
Specific delivery dates, particularly for bespoke packages, have been determined for October.
These include gas commercial sales meter and analyser skid; and power generation with Caterpillar gas engine using fuel gas from the production process and electrical switchgear.
Other process equipment including separators, storage tanks and enclosed ground flare system has already been acquired from a recently decommissioned site in the local area.
Most of the equipment will be recertified and modified for use in the process facility.
Delivery dates from the fabrication yard of the certified equipment have been set for November.
The first gas compressor package remains on schedule to delivered in November, and the second gas compressor package is scheduled for delivery in February 2022.
The fuel gas skid is expected to be tendered and ordered with delivery in December.
Angus said that other items, including passive dehydration skid sundry pipework and additional storage tanks, have been tendered and were subject to present bidding and no delays.
The company’s other plan is to redeploy skills into geothermal and other alternative energy projects in a strategic shift for the company.