The Siri-field expected back in production in January
Due to rough weather conditions in the North Sea, production from the Siri-field in the Danish part of the North Sea is not expected to be resumed until sometime in January 2010. On 31 August 2009, the operator of the Siri field, DONG Energy, decided to stop production from the field following a routine inspection revealing cracks in a subsea structure connected to the oil storage tank underneath the Siri platform.
A temporary solution involving a metal frame that supports the subsea structure will ensure the stability of the construction so it is possible to resume the production until a permanent solution is in place. The installation of the temporary solution is progressing, but rough weather conditions in the North Sea in December have delayed the installation of the metal frame on the sea bed. DONG Energy expects to complete the installation work and to resume production during January 2010 depending on favourable weather conditions.
The Nini East-field, also operated by DONG Energy, is fully developed with three new wells and is expected to commence initial production shortly after the Siri-platform resumes production. The Nini East development will increase the total production from the area significantly. The field is developed as a satellite to the Siri-field with a new un-manned platform app. 40 km. from Siri.
DONG Energy's partners in the area are Noreco and RWE.
The production stoppage at Siri will adversely affect DONG Energy's expected production from the area in 2009. However, as production from other DONG Energy fields have exceeded expectations, the overall effect will not alter the previous guidance for DONG Energy's financial results for 2009 or the company's expected investment level.
