US-based operator Apache started oil production from the Coniston subsea oil field development offshore Exmouth, Western Australia, 10 May, says partner INPEX.
Coniston covers 45sq km saddling blocks WA-35-L and WA-55-L where the water is 380m deep. The field is being produced by a floating production, storage and offloading vessel, which operates on the Van Gogh oil field, 6km north of Coniston. Van Gogh is operated by partner INPEX.
The average production rate during the first year is expected to amount to about 18,000 b/d.
Coniston owns 52.501% in Coniston. INPEX holds the remaining 47.499%. The partners made a final investment decision on the project in December 2011.
First production was originally slated for 2014, with production rates estimated at 21,500 b/d, according to INPEX.