Etap looks to next two decades

A development regarded as one of the most ambitious and complex in the North Sea today celebrates 20 years of production, and is expected to continue to operate into the mid to late 2030s.

The Eastern Trough Area Project (Etap) North Sea development, billed by the Oil & Gas Authority (OGA) as the “poster child” for its Maximising Economic Recovery (MER) strategy, comprises multiple fields with varying ownership arrangements sharing a central processing facility (CPF).

At the time of development, the individual reservoirs were not deemed commercially viable on a standalone basis, so the Etap alliance was established to develop the fields as one joint development.

It came on stream with an estimated production life of 20 years, with a $1 billion (£800 million) investment programme in 2015 breathing new life into the hub.

Initially it comprised seven fields, four operated by BP and three by Shell produced through the CPF. Two further Bp-operated fields came online in 2002, but two of the Shell fields have since ceased production.

Day-to-day production operations of the remaining seven fields are controlled by BP from the CPF.

BP North Sea regional president Ariel Flores said: “Etap embodies the pioneering and innovative spirit the North Sea is renowned for around the world and shows what can be achieved when companies work together for the greater good of the region. [It] remains a key asset in BP’S refreshed North Sea portfolio and our enduring North Sea presence.”

Andy Samuel, chief executive of the OGA, added: “Etap stands out as one of the great MER UK stories – a ‘poster child’ for MER UK, even before the concept existed.”

He praised major investment to unlock value, stating: “The area still has an exciting future, with plenty to play for and the potential for further discoveries to be tied back.”