Exxon’s Pt Thomson development wins AOGA 2016 project of the year award

The ExxonMobil-operated Point Thomson development won the 2016 project of the year for environmental stewardship and innovation from the Alaska Oil and Gas Association.

According to statements issued by AOGA and ExxonMobil in early May, the award will be accepted by Point Thomson senior management at AOGA’s 50th anniversary celebration and conference at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage on May 25.

“This award recognizes more than 100 Alaska companies and thousands of Alaskans who helped build this project,” said Gina Dickerson, senior project manager.

The Point Thomson field’s initial production system, designed to cycle 200 million cubic feet of natural gas and produce 10,000 barrels per day of natural gas condensate, establishes infrastructure for future gas development on the North Slope.

Throughout development, environmental excellence was a priority, including implementation of an innovative wildlife mitigation plan, unique design elements such as a non-glare pipeline jacket to reduce visibility, and its close working relationship with the local community of Kaktovik.

ExxonMobil also minimized Point Thomson’s environmental footprint by using long-reach onshore drilling to access the offshore resource, as well as adopted a module barge and near-shore bulkhead system to eliminate the need for a causeway.

“We recognize that we are guests on the North Slope, and as such, we operate with deference to the environment and communities around us,” said Cory Quarles, Alaska production manager for ExxonMobil.

Point Thomson, which started operations in April, is 60 miles east of Prudhoe Bay and 60 miles west of Kaktovik. The reservoir holds an estimated 8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, which represents about 25 percent of the known gas reserves on the North Slope.

- Petroleum News