Husky happy with White Rose test

Gary Park

More pieces have fallen into place for Husky Energy’s White Rose oil project offshore Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Calgary-based company reported that four wells have been drilled so far, including an oil producer that was tested from July 20-25, and three water injectors.

Based on pressure measurements and flow rate information during the test, productive capacity of White Rose B 07 2 is estimated at 25,000-30,000 barrels per day. Oil flowed during the test at 9,000 bpd, representing the maximum volume allowed by test facilities on the rig.

Husky President and Chief Executive Officer John Lau said in a statement that the first production well “successfully confirms the quality and production estimates” of White Rose, putting the project on track for start-up by late 2005 or early 2006.

The peak output for White Rose, 72.5 percent owned by Husky and 27.5 percent by Petro-Canada, is projected at 100,000 bpd. Capital cost is estimated at C$2.35 billion and probable reserves are rated at 200 million to 250 million barrels.

It will become Newfoundland’s third producing offshore field after Hibernia and Terra Nova.

In addition, Husky announced that a heavy lift campaign saw topside modules for the SeaRose FPSO, floating production, storage and offloading vessel, was completed July 31, while the towing of the riser buoy to the White Rose field started July 14. Once in place next year, the buoy will provide the anchor point for the FPSO.