Ekofisk Field
The Ekofisk Field is one of the most significant oil and gas fields in the North Sea, located in the Norwegian sector, approximately 320 kilometers southwest of Stavanger. Here's a detailed overview:
Discovery and Development
- Discovery: The field was discovered on December 23, 1969, by the Phillips Petroleum Company, marking one of the earliest major oil finds in the North Sea.
- Development: Development of the field began in the early 1970s. The first oil from Ekofisk was produced in 1971, with the first export of oil occurring in 1975.
Geological Structure
The Ekofisk Field is part of the Greater Ekofisk Area, which includes several satellite fields. The reservoir is located in the Permian Chalk formation, characterized by high porosity and permeability, making it suitable for oil and gas extraction.
Ownership and Operations
- Operator: ConocoPhillips, as of 2009, became the operator of the Ekofisk Field after acquiring the Norwegian operations of Phillips Petroleum.
- Partners: The field is operated by ConocoPhillips with partners including TotalEnergies, Eni, and other smaller shareholders.
Production
- Peak Production: Ekofisk reached its peak production in 1980, producing around 450,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d).
- Current Status: As of recent years, production continues at lower levels due to natural depletion, although enhanced recovery techniques have been employed to maintain output.
Challenges and Events
- Subsidence: The extraction of hydrocarbons has led to significant subsidence, causing the seabed to sink, which has required continuous maintenance and upgrades to the infrastructure.
- 1980 Blowout: On April 22, 1980, the Ekofisk Bravo platform experienced a blowout, leading to the evacuation of the platform and the subsequent toppling of the drilling derrick.
- Decommissioning Plans: There are ongoing plans for the decommissioning of parts of the Ekofisk infrastructure, with environmental considerations being paramount.
Economic Impact
The Ekofisk Field has been crucial for the Norwegian economy, contributing significantly to the country's oil and gas revenues. It has helped Norway become one of the world's leading oil and gas exporters.
References
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