Total launches Shetland offshore development

London – Total has unveiled plans for its Laggan and Tormore gas fields development in the offshore frontier region of the West of Shetland The scheme is subject to approval by UK government’s Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Launching th development, Total also annnounced that it had acquired the 10% interest in Laggan and Tormore previously held by Chevron North Sea Ltd and the 20% interest previously held by ENI UK Ltd. This brings Total’s interest in this project to 80% alongside partner DONG E&P (UK) Ltd.

The Laggan and Tormore gas fields, which lie around 140km West of Shetland by 600 metres of water depth in blocks 206/1a, 205/4b and 205/5a, have global estimated reserves of around 230 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe). At peak, gas production rate of 500 million standard cubic feet per day is expected from the two fields, plus associated condensates (for a total production of 93,000 boe per day).

Construction work on the offshore gas infrastructure, and on a new gas processing plant at Sullom Voe on Shetland, will start almost immediately, with first gas production planned for 2014.

After processing at the new Sullom Voe plant, Laggan and Tormore gas will transit through a new 230km export pipeline from Shetland into the existing Frigg UK line and onward to the Total operated Saint Fergus ga terminal, located north of Aberdeen.

“Total has demonstrated its capacity to successfully develop highly technological projects and continues to do so with the Laggan and Tormore fields, located in one of the most complex environments of the UK Continental Shelf,” said Yves-Louis Darricarrère, president exploration & production.

“Bringing them to production will require near £2.5 billion investment. In taking the decision to develop this complex project, Total confirms its commitment in pursuing its investments in the North Sea and its long term objective towards helping to secure energy supplies for the UK.”