Costain Saves Operator Millions in N. Sea Exploration Project
Peter Kirkbride (Photo: Costain)
UK engineering solutions provider Costain has been instrumental in helping Ithaca Energy save several millions of pounds, thanks to its sound management of subsea contracts in the operator’s Greater Stella Area (GSA) Development in the central North Sea.
Costain has been working on the project, which is driven by the recovery of approximately 60 million barrels of oil equivalent of proven and probable reserves for the GSA co-venturers, since 2010 and will be supporting the project to first oil, which is anticipated in mid-2016.
Costain’s involvement started at the concept selection phase, continuing through the definition phase, developing project budgets and assisting in placement of the major contracts.
The company then project-managed the subsea facilities, including the design, procurement, fabrication and installation of all of the subsea equipment, as well as the installation of the Floating Production Facilty-1 (FPF) moorings and assisting with the forthcoming tow-out and hook-up.
Peter Kirkbride, project sponsor at Costain, said: “Being involved in this project through the select, define and execute phases is a great achievement for the team. Together with Ithaca Energy and our contracted partners, we are proving the value of North Sea development activity and, by setting and working to realistic budgets, have saved our client millions of pounds in the process.
Costain’s capabilities extend across design and consultancy, project management, delivery and operations and maintenance in the energy sector.
