Serica Energy Plc (LON:SQZ) has revealed a further delay to the start-up of the Erskine field due to ongoing work at Shell’s Lomond platform, which is part of the export route.
Erskine initially restarted at the end of July following operations to clear a pipeline blockage and to allow scheduled maintenance, before it was temporarily suspended to allow final clean-up work at Erskine and for the recommissioning of the facilities at Lomond.
Shell’s operations were anticipated to last for around one week, but it has taken longer than that.
Serica told investors that further work is required for the recommissioning of the main Erskine condensate export pump, located on Lomond, before it can be brought fully on-line.
“The company has been advised by Shell that this is likely to take several more days,” Serica said in a statement.
Initial rates at Erskine last month measured some 4,300 boepd net to Serica, the company noted, as it highlighted the operations capacity for Erskine wells to deliver at high rates.
Serica owns an 18% stake in Erskine, which is operated by Chevron (50%) while Shell is also a partner (with 32%).