Hummingbird (EW878) - Walter

Hummingbird (EW878) - Walter Oil Project Profile

Overview

The Hummingbird field, also known as the EW878 block, is an offshore oil field located in the Trinidad and Tobago region of the Southern Caribbean. It is part of the larger Walter Oil project, which involves the development and production of hydrocarbon resources in this area.

Location

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 50 kilometers off the eastern coast of Trinidad.
• Water Depth: The field is situated in waters with depths ranging from 50 to 70 meters.
• Jurisdiction: Within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Trinidad and Tobago.

Geology

• Reservoir: The Hummingbird field is primarily composed of sandstone reservoirs of the Pliocene and Miocene ages.
• Formation: The main producing formations are part of the Cruse and Forest reservoirs.
• Traps: The field is characterized by a combination of structural and stratigraphic traps.

Operators and Partners

• Operator: BHP (formerly BHP Billiton), although operational responsibilities may have been transferred or shared with other companies such as Repsol, BG Group (now part of Royal Dutch Shell), or other local partners.
• Partners: The project involves a consortium of international and local oil companies, including but not limited to, the Trinidad and Tobago state-owned oil company, Heritage Petroleum.

Production

• Start of Production: The Hummingbird field began production in the early 2000s.
• Peak Production: The field reached its peak production levels in the mid to late 2000s, with daily production rates estimated to be around 10,000 to 15,000 barrels of oil per day.
• Current Status: As of the latest available data, the field continues to produce, although at reduced rates due to natural decline.

Infrastructure

• Platforms: The field is developed using a combination of fixed platforms and subsea wells.
• Processing Facilities: Crude oil is processed on the platforms before being transported to onshore facilities for further processing and export.
• Transportation: Oil is transported via pipelines to the onshore processing facilities and then exported through terminals.

Economic Impact

• Revenue Generation: The Hummingbird field has been a significant contributor to the oil revenues of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Employment: The project has provided employment opportunities both directly and indirectly through various sectors including engineering, operations, and support services.
• Local Development: The project has also contributed to local economic development through community investment programs and infrastructure development.

Environmental Considerations

• Environmental Impact Assessments: Comprehensive environmental impact assessments have been conducted to ensure minimal disruption to marine ecosystems.
• Regulatory Compliance: The project adheres to strict environmental regulations set by the Trinidad and Tobago government and international standards.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Operators have implemented various sustainability initiatives, including waste management and conservation programs.

Challenges and Future Outlook

• Decline Management: Managing the natural decline of the field is a significant challenge. Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques and infill drilling are being considered to extend the field's life.
• Exploration and Development: Ongoing exploration efforts in the surrounding areas aim to discover new reserves and extend the production life of the Hummingbird field.
• Technological Innovations: The adoption of advanced technologies such as 3D seismic and digital oilfield solutions is expected to improve efficiency and reduce costs.