Production from Hibernia field off Newfoundland has been halved as a result of reservoir problems. Photo courtesy of Hibernia Management & Development Co. Ltd.
Long-awaited oil production from Hibernia field off Newfoundland has fallen dramatically only 4 months after start-up. The field is now producing an average 30,000 b/d compared with output of 60,000 b/d before the onset of technical problems.
Hibernia group partners say they expect a return to former production levels in the third quarter.
Hibernia began producing oil last November (OGJ, Nov. 24, 1997, p. 42). Two of the field's three producing wells have been shut in for assessment and maintenance of reservoir pressure. These wells were producing a combined 50,000 b/d in January and February.
The Hibernia partners plan to drill two injection wells-one gas and one water.
Norm McIntyre, an executive with Calgary's Petro-Canada Ltd., a 20% interest holder in the field, said completion and tie-in of the injection wells at midyear and completion of additional production wells will maintain reservoir pressures and stabilize production rates.
Petro-Canada claims that variations in production were expected throughout the year and says that production is expected to increase the second half 1998.
Hibernia Group Pres. Harvey Smith said there will be a production dip in the next quarter but third quarter production will return to 60,000 b/d. Smith also said Hibernia would meet its yearend target for total production.
The partners expect output to reach 135,000 b/d by 1999.
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