In a recent update on the SPS-88 well from the Bauna Project site in Brazil, Karoon Energy said that it will install a lightweight intervention vessel (LWIV) to start an intervention process so that the impacted well can be brought back to production.
Production from the SPS-88 well was first affected in November 2023 due to the formation of hydrates owing to an equipment failure in the gaslift dehydration unit of the floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) platform. Of the 12 subsea wells from the area that are joined to the Altera&Ocyan-operated FPSO via flowlines, two Patola wells were bought online last year. While the company closely worked with the FPSO operator, and had the faulty equipment successfully replaced and topsides issues resolved to remove the hydrates by circulating fluids, a mechanical blockage in the gas lift valve still obstructs the well's production capacity.
The obstruction has led the company to decide upon undertaking a 20-day intervention process by LWIV that will cost it approximately US$5-10mn. Subjected to engaging a LWIV and ancillary services and equipment, the company noted on its latest statement that this work will be initiated on the fourth quarter of 2024.
As highlighted on its statement, the intervention work will reflect on Karoon's production costs as it will swing between the range of US$10.5-15.0 per boe for the year from the previous US$9.0-14.0 per boe. While the Bauna FPSO comes with a storage capacity of 631,000 boe, the intervention plans has also led it to lower its last year production goals to stand around 9.0mn boe.
