The partners in the Njord licence in the Norwegian Sea have resolved to develop the north-west flank of Njord.

This development will increase the total recoverable reserves in the Njord field, secure continued gas exports and extend Njord’s lifetime by up to two years.

The flank lies about six kilometres north-west of the Njord platform. The development solution comprises two new extended-reach wells.

Drilled directly from the platform with eight kilometres of well paths, the wells will be tied back to the platform.

“This is an example of how we can use existing infrastructure in a prospective area to maximise the potential of the Norwegian continental shelf,” says Ståle Tungesvik, Statoil’s senior vice president for reserve replacement and business development.

The reservoir contains both rich gas and condensate and comprises two structures, A and B.

These were discovered in 2007 and 2000 respectively.

Since the pressure in Njord’s north-west flank is slightly higher than in the main reservoir, modifications will have to be made on the platform to handle this.

Total investments will amount to NOK 1.8 billion.

The contracts will embrace engineering, procurement and construction of new equipment including risers and new elements for the process and drilling unit. Plans call for most of these to be put out to tender in the second half of 2010.

The modifications will mainly be carried out under the terms of the existing frame contracts.

Tags: Statoil