Matapal

Location and Geology

The Matapal gas project is situated in the East Block of the Columbus Basin, approximately 80 kilometers offshore the south-east coast of Trinidad and Tobago. The project area is characterized by a water depth of over 163 meters. The Columbus Basin features two primary structural trends: anticlines trending east-north-east and normal faults oriented north-north-west. The gas resources are found in Pliocene-Pleistocene pro-delta shale rocks.

Ownership and Operation

The Matapal gas project is 100% owned and operated by BP Trinidad and Tobago (BPTT), a joint venture between BP (70%) and Repsol (30%).

Discovery

The gas resources for the Matapal project were discovered in June 2017 through the drilling of the Savannah exploration well. This well, drilled by the Ocean Victory semi-submersible rig, encountered hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs in two intervals with a net pay of approximately 650 feet. The discoveries made by the Savannah and Macadamia exploration wells were estimated to contain approximately two trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas in place.

Development Details

The project involves a three-well subsea tie-back to the existing Juniper gas field production facility. This approach helps reduce development expenses and the related carbon footprint. The hydrocarbons from the Matapal field are transferred to the Juniper platform through two 9km-long infield flexible flowlines. The project also includes the installation of a four-slot subsea manifold.

Drilling Activities

Drilling activities for the Matapal project commenced in October 2020 using the Maersk Discoverer semi-submersible drilling rig. Maersk Drilling was awarded a $78 million contract for drilling three wells over a period of 322 days, with an option for an additional well.

Production

The Matapal gas project began production in September 2021, seven months ahead of the planned start date of 2022. The initial production capacity is estimated to be between 250 million and 350 million metric standard cubic feet per day (Mmscfd).

Infrastructure and Contractors

• Juniper Platform: The Matapal wells are tied back to the existing Juniper platform, which is located approximately 8 kilometers west of the Matapal field. The Juniper platform was modified to handle production from the Matapal project.
• Subsea Infrastructure: The North Sea Atlantic advanced subsea construction vessel was used to install the subsea infrastructure, including the tieback to the Juniper platform. OneSubsea was the key subsea contractor, with Peterson providing logistics services involving lifting and moving of subsea structures.
• Drilling Rig: The Maersk Discoverer, a DSS-21 self-propelled A1 column-stabilised, dynamically positioned, deep-water rig, was deployed for the drilling activities. This rig can operate in water depths of up to 10,000 feet and drill to a maximum depth of 32,800 feet.

BPTT's Role in Trinidad and Tobago

BPTT is the largest natural gas producer in Trinidad and Tobago, accounting for approximately 55% of the country's gas production. The company operates 15 offshore platforms and two onshore processing facilities, producing gas and associated liquids. BPTT is also involved in other significant gas projects in the region, including the Angelin field, the Juniper gas field, and the Cassia Compression project.

In summary, the Matapal gas project is a significant subsea gas development that leverages existing infrastructure to efficiently produce gas resources discovered in the Columbus Basin, contributing to Trinidad and Tobago's energy production.