Xanab
- Type: Rig
- field
- Latitude: 18.5379000
- Longitude: -93.3825000
Location and Geology
The Xanab oil field is situated in shallow waters off the coast of Tabasco, Mexico. The maximum water depth of the offshore platforms in this area is approximately 35 meters.
Production and Output
Xanab is one of the most prolific oil-producing fields within the Litoral de Tabasco complex. It accounts for about 22% of the total production from Litoral de Tabasco, with an output of around 66,060 barrels per day (b/d).
History and Development
The field has been in production since the late 1990s, but it saw significant growth with the addition of new projects in the early 2000s. The inclusion of the Crudo Ligero Marino, Yaxché, and Ayin-Alux projects further boosted production in the Litoral de Tabasco complex, of which Xanab is a part.
Infrastructure and Projects
The Xanab field is connected to other fields and infrastructure through various projects. For instance, there is a subsea oil pipeline project that connects the Xanab-A, Xanab-C, and Yaxché-A production platforms to the Dos Bocas maritime terminal. This pipeline is part of the broader infrastructure to facilitate the transportation of oil and gas from the offshore fields to onshore facilities.
Operational Details
The field is operated by PEMEX, and it involves several production platforms. The operational activities include front-end engineering design, detailed engineering, procurement, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of the necessary infrastructure. Companies like McDermott have been involved in providing these services, including training for PEMEX personnel on the operation and maintenance of the facilities.
Integration with Other Fields
Xanab is part of a larger complex that includes several other fields such as Tsimin, Xux, and Yaxché. The development strategy for these fields involves extensive exploratory and geological studies to maximize production. For example, the Tsimin-Xux complex, which is nearby, involves 63 exploratory wells, 73 geological studies, and the acquisition of 2,318 km² of seismic information to better understand and exploit the resources in the area.
Contribution to National Production
The production from Xanab and other fields in the Litoral de Tabasco complex has significantly contributed to Mexico's overall oil production. By 2013, Litoral de Tabasco, with Xanab as one of its key fields, became PEMEX’s third most productive asset.
Future Prospects
The ongoing and future development plans for Xanab and the surrounding fields aim to maintain and increase production levels. The integration of new discoveries and the optimization of existing infrastructure are key strategies to ensure sustained production. For instance, the light crude oil from fields like Tsimin can be blended with heavier oils to achieve the necessary API degree for the Maya mix, which is an important aspect of PEMEX’s production strategy.