Environmental statement - Flyndre and Cawdor - Maersk Oil

Flyndre and Cawdor Environmental Statement
Section 2 Proposed Development
A maximum of three wells are planned in the development of the Cawdor field. First oil from the first
well (Phase I) is expected in Q4 2014, while the second and third Cawdor wells (Phase II) are expected
to start producing in Q3 ‐ Q4 2017.
The coordinates for the Flyndre well and the proposed Cawdor wells are given in Table 2‐3.
Flyndre well
Latitude 56 o 33’35.236”
Longitude 2 o 37’57.773”
Cawdor Phase I well
Latitude 56 o 32’22.633”
Longitude 2 o 34’28.244”
Cawdor Phase II wells
Latitude Not determined yet, however will be in within 100m radius
of the Cawdor Phase I well.
Longitude
Table 2‐3 Well locations for Flyndre and Cawdor development.
2.5.1. DRILLING SCHEDULE
Drilling of the Phase I Cawdor well is expected to commence in Q2 ‐ Q3 2014 and to last for
approximately 74 days. Drilling of the Cawdor Phase II wells is expected to commence in Q1 ‐ Q3
2017 and is expected to be of a similar drilling period for each well.
2.5.2. DRILL RIG
At the time of writing this ES the drilling contract for the Cawdor wells had not yet been awarded,
however, it is planned to use a semi‐submersible rig and it is expected that the wells will be drilled
and completed using the Noble Ton van Langveld (NTvL) rig. Therefore for the purpose of assessing
the environmental impacts from drilling activities, generic details of a semi‐submersible have been
applied and the environmental impacts assessed accordingly in Section 5.
2.5.3. DRILL RIG ANCHOR PATTERN
The rig will be towed to location with the assistance of three Anchor Handling Vessels (AHVs), two in
front and one to the rear. It will maintain station during drilling activities via the use of anchors.
Semi‐submersible drilling rigs tend to have anchor facilities using an eight or twelve point chain wire
mooring system. For the purpose of this ES the worst case scenario of 12 will be assumed.
While in position a statutory 500 m exclusion zone will be established around the rig, in accordance
with safety legislation. Unauthorised vessels including fishing vessels will not be permitted access to
the area. The drilling rig will be equipped with navigation lights, radar and radio communications.
D/4114/2011 2‐5