Newsham

Location

The Newsham gas field is located in Block 48/7a of the Southern North Sea, approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the West Sole Alpha platform.

Discovery and Development History

• The Newsham field was discovered in 1967.
• Texaco Ltd. drilled two appraisal wells in 1988 and 1989.
• BP obtained a stake and became the operator in the block in 1994, and by January 1995, BP had acquired 100% interest in the block.

Development Details

• The development involved re-entering Texaco's Well 48/7a-9 and drilling a sidetrack with a 1,800-meter (5,900-foot) horizontal lateral through the reservoir. The horizontal section targeted a 30-meter thick Aeolian sand unit, which is the most productive in the field.
• The project utilized advanced subsea technology, including a horizontal tree and wellhead conversion system provided by FMC Corp. U.K. Ltd. This system allowed for well work to be performed with the tree in place, reducing workover costs.

Infrastructure and Production

• The subsea well is tied back to the West Sole pipeline system. Gas from the field is exported via an 8-inch pipeline to the West Sole Alpha platform, and then through a 16-inch gas export pipeline to the Dimlington onshore terminal.
• Production started on June 6, with an initial rate of 31 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd).

Technical Challenges and Solutions

• The project had a fast-track schedule of only 13 months from concept to first gas, which was one of the main challenges.
• BP used a rental basis for the high-pressure riser system to save significant costs compared to purchasing a new system.
• The project involved converting the existing mudline suspension on Well 48/7a-9 to a subsea wellhead with a subsea tree and making major modifications to the West Sole Alpha platform.
• Hole spiraling was a concern, and BP ensured a nonspiral hole for accurate ultrasonic logs. Despite steering difficulties, the lateral was successfully drilled and completed.

Reserves and Economic Viability

• The estimated originally in place recoverable reserves are 1.36 billion cubic meters (48 billion cubic feet).
• The development cost for the single-well subsea project was £25 million ($39 million).

Water Depth and Geology

• The field is located in 30 meters (98 feet) of water.
• The reservoir target was a 30-meter thick Aeolian sand unit, which is the most productive in the field.