OREANDA-NEWS. BG Group announced the start-up of gas and condensate production from the Total operated West Franklin field in the UK North Sea. The project involves drilling 3 wells and installing 2 new platforms that have been tied back to existing facilities. The field is due to deliver production of 40,000 barrels equivalent a day gross from reserves of 85 million boe.

With reservoir pressures in excess of 1000 bars and temperatures in excess of 200 degrees centigrade the project has advanced the boundaries of existing HPHT technical know-how in the industry.

Ernst den Hartigh, Managing Director of BG Group's Europe E&P business, said: "We are pleased to see first production from the West Franklin field which will help extend the life of this important North Sea hub. By working closely with Total and other JV partners we have contributed and extended our knowledge of High Pressure High Temperature gas developments which is key to our UK strategy."

West Franklin is located 240km east of Aberdeen and just 6.5kms from the main Elgin platform. The gas and condensate from West Franklin will be processed at the Elgin platform, before export to the UK mainland through the SEAL pipeline to Bacton for gas and FPS pipeline to Kinneil for condensate. BG Group has a 14.1% equity interest in West Franklin which is operated by Total who hold 46.2%.