West of Shetland emerges as U. K. exploration hotspot

Journal Article · Mon Jun 20 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:7260313

Knott, D J

Two recent oil discoveries west of the Shetland Islands by BP Exploration Operating Co. Ltd. have fired enthusiasm for the most hostile of Britain's remaining offshore frontiers. In March 1993, BP disclosed discovery of a 250--500 million bbl oil field in the North Atlantic area termed West of Shetland by the UK petroleum industry. Discovery of the field, later named Foinaven, caused the greatest stir in years among British explorationists. By the time BP repeated the success early this year with disclosure of the nearby 250--500 million bbl Schiehallion oil discovery, speculation about prospects West of Shetland had reached fever pitch. A number of projects are under way that will shape the future of what previously had been considered a deepwater, low priority area plagued by rough weather. The paper discusses the exploration history of the region; results from Clair field; the results from BP's test wells; development options of the Foinaven field; BP exploration activities; plans for the Stronsay field; new survey activities, especially near the Faroe Islands; prospects for production for Shetland; gas resources; and forecasts for future activities in this high risk/high cost region.

• OSTI ID: 7260313
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 92:25; ISSN OIGJAV; ISSN 0030-1388
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
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GASES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MINERAL RESOURCES
OFFSHORE SITES
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UNITED KINGDOM
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