Serica confirms delay to restart of Erskine production

Serica Energy updated the market on its Erskine production operations on Friday, reporting that the operator of the Lomond platform had advised a delay to the restart of Erskine production, pending completion of repairs required to a caisson on the Lomond platform and receipt of approval to recommence from the operator of the Forties Pipeline System, through which Erskine liquids are transported to shore.

The AIM-traded firm said it expected that production would restart on or around 13 September, but it was not now expected until near the end of September, although an earlier date remained possible.

It said the FPS approval process was customary for fields after shut-down, but additional checks had been requested by the FPS operator following the treatment process used to clear wax deposits in the Lomond-to-Everest pipeline.

Following receipt of FPS approval and completion of the Lomond caisson repairs, Erskine production was planned to be increased to full capacity to flush the Lomond to Everest liquids export pipeline and enable full monitoring of the results of the treatment process, the board added.

“The monitoring required by the FPS operator and the need to undertake caisson repairs affects the restart of Erskine production but is not expected to materially affect forward production plans,” said Serica executive chairman Tony Craven Walker.

“The company will announce the restart of production when this takes place and will provide a full update at the end of the month when we release our first half results.”