The first well commenced drilling from the Transocean John Shaw semi-submersible drilling rig at the West Don field, located in Blocks 211/13b and 211/18a.
The commencement of this first development well marks the start of a year-long drilling campaign on the joint development of the West Don and Don Southwest fields. Three wells will be drilled in sequence on West Don prior to moving across to Don Southwest early in 2009.
In addition to drilling, the major multi-phase subsea construction program, with a reel lay vessel completing the lay of the infield pipelines and the first phase of the export infrastructure, has begun. Trenching of the pipelines has also been completed. The installation of the subsea structures and diving tie-ins is scheduled to start at the end of August 2008.
Bill Dunnett, executive vice president of project development for Petrofac Energy Developments, said: The project remains on target for first oil production during the first half of 2009, delivering significant value for Petrofac and the field’s joint venture partners.
