Latecomers: The UK North Sea projects still aiming to start up in 2021

Latecomers: The UK North Sea projects still aiming to start up in 2021

With Covid deferrals in 2020 having hit hard, 2021 was expected to herald the start-up of 10 new oil and gas fields in the UK North Sea.

However, so far, the year has seen just two greenfield projects begin production – Shell’s Arran field and Zennor Petroleum’s Finlaggan – while four others have been kicked further into the long grass.

As we head into December, four projects are still aiming to be started up before the year is through, despite a string of delays. Energy Voice takes a look at 2021’s latecomers.

Tolmount

© Premier Oil

The platform used for the main Tolmount field development.



First gas remains expected “around year-end” for this former Premier Oil project, now being progressed post-merger by Harbour Energy.

Production had originally been slated for the end of July for the Southern North Sea development, but delays have knocked back the scheme after equipment glitches were uncovered.

Energy Voice reported last month that Tolmount has been dealing with a number of oil and gas releases, though Harbour said this is unrelated to the start-up timing.

Once at plateau, Tolmount is forecasted to add 20-25,000 barrels of oil equivalent (boe) per day net to Harbour – it’s expected to produce around 96