GDF Suez E&P UK has renewed its Integrated Services Contract (ISC) with Petrofac. The contract covers operations, maintenance and engineering services support to GDF SUEZ E&P UK throughout its operations in the UKCS, including Cygnus, the largest gas field discovery in the southern North Sea for 25 years.
The multi-million dollar frame contract is for three years and combines the services available in two existing contracts - ISC and Engineering Services Contract – both originally awarded in 2011. It will initially continue to support Cygnus Operations Readiness, followed by the provision of operations and maintenance services for the Cygnus asset offshore.
The Cygnus field, operated by GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd (38.75%) with partners Centrica (48.75%) and Bayerngas (12.5%) has gross 2P reserves of approximately 18 billion cubic metres. By 2016, it will be the second largest individual gas producer in the UK. The Cygnus Alpha wellhead topsides sailed from Heerema’s Hartlepool yard in May and is expected to be followed by the remaining topsides infrastructure in April next year, ahead of targeted first gas in late 2015.
GDF SUEZ E&P UK currently holds interests in around 50 licences in the North Sea, mostly West of Shetland and in the southern and central North Sea, supporting its strategy to develop the Cygnus field as a hub for the wider area.
Walter Thain, Senior Vice President Europe, Petrofac Offshore Projects & Operations, said: “We’ve worked very effectively with GDF SUEZ E&P UK to help bring Cygnus Operations to this point and we’re delighted to be extending the length of our relationship at what is a very exciting time for everyone involved.
“Our immediate shared focus continues to be on Operations Readiness support ahead of Cygnus which is targeted for first gas next year. GDF SUEZ E&P UK also has ambitious longer-term plans and we look forward to supporting them with our integrated service offering across all their activities in the UKCS.”