Northstar down 2 to 3 weeks

Petroleum News

BP Exploration (Alaska) said Feb. 9 that its Northstar field off Alaska’s North Slope came down Feb. 8 when a low-pressure gas compressor motor failed. BP spokesman Daren Beaudo said the compressor is used to pressure natural gas separated from the crude oil for re-injection into the field.

BP estimates the field will be shut in for two to three weeks.

Replacement equipment is on hand, Beaudo told Petroleum News, so time isn’t required for transportation. But “because of the compact nature of the island it’s a bit like performing surgery,” he said. There will be complex heavy lifts required to replace the equipment, “and it is critical to do the appropriate planning and execution in order to do the work safely the first time.”

Northstar was designed to produce at 72,000 barrels per day, and “set a recent single-day record” of 84,931 bpd Jan. 26, he said.