Serica Energy plc said it expected full-year production to drop slightly due to a short delay to the start of operations on its Columbus field in the Central North Sea.
SHEARWATER
Chef executive Mitch Flegg added that there would be no significant long-term impact from the short delay.
Columbus hydrocarbons will be processed on the Shell-operated Shearwater platform which is currently operating at restricted capacity and has caused the delay.
As a result, Serica expects full-year net production to be slightly lower than the current guidance of 23,000 to 25,000 boe/d.
Serica added it still expected first production to be achieved during Q4 2020.
LOW CARBON
“I am pleased that the well is ready to produce as soon as the export system allows,” said Mr Flegg.
“The result of this delay is that it is now likely that our full-year production will be slightly lower than our previous production guidance.
“Net Serica production has been strong during September and October, averaging over 26,000boe/d from our BKR and Erskine fields during a period of strong commodity
prices.
“The use of existing infrastructure to progress the development of Columbus reinforces the benefit of Serica’s approach to providing much needed low carbon gas for the UK.”