Faroe has successfully completed the Brasse sidetrack appraisal well 31/7-2A. Very high quality reservoir sands were encountered and the well penetrated an 18m oil and a 4m gas column. Recoverable resource estimates have been increased to 56-92 mmboe (from 43-80 mmboe).
The sidetrack was drilled to a total depth of 2,275m. It is located 1km to the west of the
appraisal well (31/7-2) and 2.4km to the south of the
main discovery well (31/7-1). The appraisal well will now be plugged and abandoned as planned.
An extensive data acquisition programme was carried out in the 31/7-2A sidetrack, including the cutting of cores together with a full suite of wireline logs and fluid samples. Pressure data also indicates good communication within the reservoir. The data supported an increase in the recoverable resources estimates.
Faroe is now moving the development of the field forward with the aim of fast tracking the development given its robust economics at low commodity prices, which could see first oil in 2020/21.
Extensive feasibility studies have been carried out focussing on a sub-sea development tied-back to one of the hosts in the nearby area (either Brage or Oseberg Sør). This work is ongoing and external studies have already been undertaken for the Subsea Production System (SPS), flow assurance and pipeline and marine work. Technical and commercial activities related to the potential hosts were formally initiated in Q4 2016.
The preliminary development plan envisages three to six production wells and an optional water injection well for pressure support. Initial flow rates from the prolific Brasse reservoir are expected to be higher than previously thought, with predicted delivery rates above 30mboepd. The early estimates of the cost of this development is c.USD550 million mid-case for a scenario consisting of four wells and one subsea template.
Faroe now plans to finalise the concept selection with subsequent submission of a Plan for Development and Operations (PDO) to the authorities in 2018.
