Spirit reveals first steps in decommissioning its successful Chestnut field

Spirit Energy has decided to finally decommission the Chestnut field in the North Sea, more than a decade since it was first expected to be shut in.

The field, around 125 miles east of Aberdeen, came on stream in 2008 via the Hummingbird Spirit Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

Now Spirit Energy and the FPSO owner Teekay have started the first steps toward decommissioning.

The project has produced more than 27 million barrels of oil, having initially been expected to yield seven million over an estimated two-year production life.

Chestnut still produces via three wells.

Spirit Energy said a decommissioning programme will be submitted to the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) and the start of the offshore campaign will depend on final cessation of production from the field.

Under its proposals the FPSO will be removed and Teekay will assess potential reuse options or ultimately recycle the vessel.

Mark Fotheringham, Capital Projects Director at Spirit Energy, said: “While (Chestnut) continues to produce today, we need to look to our responsibilities in the future and have the right plans in place for when the time does come to start decommissioning the field... we are now looking forward to a safe removal campaign.”

Last week it was confirmed that Spirit Energy owner Centrica, in the process of divesting the business, will sell its Norwegian segment separately from the UK business.

MAJOR PRODUCER: The Hummingbird Spirit FPSO has been at the heart of the Chestnut field’s operations.