Gannet D

Location

The Gannet D field is situated approximately 180 km east of Aberdeen, in the Central North Sea, within blocks 21/25, 21/30, 22/21, and 22/26a. It is specifically located 16 km north-east of the main Gannet A platform.

Operator and Partners

The field is operated by Shell, which holds a 50% interest, with the remaining 50% held by Esso.

Geology and Reservoir

Gannet D is characterized as an unsaturated oil field without a gas cap. The reservoir consists of good-quality turbiditic sands of Tertiary age, specifically from the Tay, Rogaland, Forties, Lista, and Andrew Formations. The reservoir lies at a depth of between 1,768m and 2,728m.

Production

Production from Gannet D is facilitated through five subsea wells. The oil is transported to the Gannet A platform via a subsea manifold and two 150mm pipelines. The field contains approximately 31 million barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas.

Production Mechanism

All oil wells in the Gannet D field, like the other fields in the complex, have an in-built gas-lift facility to enhance oil recovery if necessary. The gas for this purpose is supplied by individual pipelines from the Gannet A platform.

API Gravity

The oil from Gannet D has an API gravity of approximately 40°, indicating it is of relatively light quality compared to the heavier crude found in the Gannet E field.

Development and History

The original Gannet field was discovered in 1973, and over the years, several satellite fields, including Gannet D, have been tied into the Gannet facilities. Production from Gannet D commenced as part of the broader development of the Gannet complex, with production starting in 1993 for the overall Gannet field.

Infrastructure

The processed oil from Gannet D is exported through an infield pipeline to the Fulmar A installation and then via the Norpipe to Teesside. Gas from the field is exported through an infield pipeline into the Fulmar Gas Pipeline to the SEGAL St Fergus Gas Processing Terminal.

Contractors and Projects

Various contractors have been involved in the development and maintenance of the Gannet D field. For example, Technip has been involved in engineering, procurement, installation, and construction (EPIC) contracts for projects related to the Gannet complex, including the Gannet F reinstatement project, which might have indirect implications for the overall field operations.

In summary, the Gannet D oil field is a significant component of the larger Gannet oil and gas complex, operated by Shell and Esso, with production tied back to the central Gannet A platform, and contributing to the overall oil and gas output of the region.