Shell to reassess development of Fram field in North Sea

Friday, Feb 22, 2013

Shell has decided to reassess the development plan for the Fram oil and gas field in the North Sea, due to unexpected initial drilling results.

Fram was originally designed for a 35,000 barrels oil equivalent per day development using floating, production, storage, and off-loading (FPSO) technology. Development drilling for the Fram field began last year but early assessments have shown unexpected well results. Development drilling will continue for the next several months and the results will inform a revised strategy for Fram.  Shell and its partner are continuing to evaluate the potential of the Fram reservoirs, with a view to producing an alternative development plan for the field.
 
In view of the ongoing project evaluation Shell has decided not to continue with several key contracts associated with this development.
 
Shell-operated Fram is a joint venture between Shell U.K. Ltd (32% equity share) and Esso Exploration & Production U.K. Ltd (68% equity share). Shell U.K. received regulatory approval for the Fram development in October of 2012.
 
The Fram field is located 220 kilometres east of Aberdeen and 50 kilometres west of the median line between the United Kingdom and Norway in a water depth of approximately 100 metres.

Source: Shell