Ringhorne Øst

Field Profile: Ringhorne Øst Oil Field

Location

The Ringhorne Øst oil field is situated in the central part of the North Sea, approximately six kilometres northeast of the Balder field. It is located in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.

Discovery and Development

• The field was discovered in 2003.
• The Plan for Development and Operation (PDO) was approved in 2005.
• Production commenced in 2006.

Geology and Reservoir

• The field produces oil with associated gas from Jurassic sandstone in the Statfjord Group.
• The reservoir is at a depth of 1940 metres and is characterized by very good quality.

Production and Recovery Strategy

• The field is developed with four production wells drilled from the Ringhorne wellhead platform. Initially, production started via three extended reach wells.
• Production is driven by natural water drive from a regional aquifer to the north and east of the structure.
• The wells are equipped with gas lift to optimize production, which will be expanded due to increasing water production.

Infrastructure and Transport

• Production from the Ringhorne Øst field is routed to the Balder production, storage, and offloading vessel (FPSO) for processing, storage, and export.
• The oil is transported by tankers.
• Surplus gas is sent to the Jotun FPSO for export via the Statpipe to the Kårstø terminal. Currently, due to maintenance and upgrades on the Jotun FPSO, excess gas is being injected into the Balder and Ringhorne Øst fields.

Current Status

• The field is in its tail production phase.
• A new infill well is planned to be drilled as part of Ringhorne Phase IV in 2024.
• The field will benefit from an amended PDO for Balder and Ringhorne, approved in 2020, which will prolong the field's lifetime and increase production capacity in the area.

Future Developments

• The Balder X project is expected to boost Ringhorne Øst production and extend the field's life.
• Decarbonisation efforts, including power from shore and partial electrification, are under consideration.

Operational and Economic Aspects

• The field is operated by Vår Energi.
• The development involves various partners, including Aker BP, Sval Energi, and Harbour Energy.
• The field's economic analysis includes considerations of operating costs, capital costs, and fiscal terms. Detailed economic data, such as cash flow and revenue distribution, are part of the comprehensive reports available on the field.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

• Riser integrity issues have impacted production, highlighting the need for continuous maintenance and safety measures.
• Environmental considerations, including emissions and decarbonisation strategies, are part of the ongoing management of the field.

In summary, the Ringhorne Øst oil field is a significant production asset in the North Sea, with ongoing efforts to extend its lifespan and optimize production through new infill wells and infrastructure upgrades.