Serica successfully test-flows UK Columbus well
Serica Energy has successfully test-flowed its development well at the Columbus gas field in the UK North Sea, ahead of the project's production launch later this year, the London-listed company reported on July 13.
The sole planned well at the field was drilled to a depth of 17,60o ft (5,365 m), and included a horizontal section over a mile (1.6 km) in length, Serica said. Completion equipment has been installed and a stabilised flow rate of 38mn ft3/day of gas and 1,650 barrels/d of condensate was achieved. This rate was at the upper end of the pre-drill range of outcomes, Serica said, and was constrained by equipment on board the Maersk Resilient jack-up rig.
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A diving support vessel will tie the wellhead to the Arran field export system after the rig leaves, Serica said, confirming that Columbus was still on track to start production in the fourth quarter. It should flow around 7,000 barrels of oil equivalent/d of hydrocarbons, of which at least 75% is expected to be gas.
Serica operates Columbus with a 50% interest, while partners Waldorf Production and Tailwind Energy control the remaining share. The field will be Serica's first development project as an operator.
The company warned in late May of a £3mn ($4.3mn) cost overrun at Columbus, after encountering difficulties at the development well that meant its reservoir section would have to be side-tracked and re-drilled.