Serica Energy plc has suspended production until mid to late March from the Triton FPSO because of issues resulting from last month’s Storm Éowyn.
IMPROVEMENT
The company said that on 24 January, sea spray triggered the fire and gas detection system, causing an automatic production shutdown of operations.
Production restarted on 28 January but “minor damage” was subsequently identified on one of the cargo tanks.
“While preparing to conduct the necessary repairs, [partner and pipeline operator] Dana Petroleum identified an integrity issue with a coupling in the inert gas line required for purging the tanks prior to carrying out the repairs,” added Serica.
“Triton has remained offline subsequently pending identification of the root cause of the issue and the best means of resolving it.”
Serica’s own representative has joined Dana’s team to help resolve the problem.
In addition to the delayed restart of production, the company is also reviewing the extent of annual maintenance work in the summer, currently scheduled for 40 days.
Work meanwhile continues on the second gas compressor which is on course for availability by the end of Q1.
Serica said that Triton had the potential to continue producing “well into the next decade”, according to a recent comprehensive third-party engineering study.
The company’s production for January 2025 averaged 37 kboepd, with February averaging 27 kboepd to date, with “strong” production from the Bruce Hub and “solid” contributions from its other assets.
The year’s production guidance is under review.
Chief executive Chris Cox added: “Given that the Triton FPSO was recovering strongly from the operational issues of 2024, with material production from new wells, the impact of Storm Éowyn is deeply frustrating.
“Safety is of course always the number one priority, and we fully support the operator’s actions in ensuring that this supersedes other considerations.
“Recent drilling results illustrate the significant value of proven hydrocarbons in the Triton area.
“We will continue working with the operator and discussing with them at the highest level all options to secure a lasting improvement in the operating performance of the FPSO.”
Serica’s partners in the Triton cluster are Dana and Waldorf Production UK Ltd.