Oil & Gas UK Economic Report 2015

The Golden Eagle platform and drilling rigs during the development phase

development phase and the project team adopted the mantra “Safety First” from the very start of the project. The huge development involved three different fields: Golden Eagle, Peregrine and Solitaire. Golden Eagle itself was discovered in 2007 and Peregrine in 2008. Solitaire, although discovered in 2001, was acquired by Nexen and co-venture participants in 2010. Overall, production volumes of around 140 million bbls are currently expected over the lifetime of the development. The Field Development Plan (FDP) for Golden Eagle was approved by DECC in October 2011, followed by Solitaire the subsequent year. Many of the project teammembers had undertaken key roles in Nexen’s Buzzard development, which produced first oil in 2007 and is currently the biggest producing field on the UKCS. Together, they brought their experience and skills – along with substantial learnings from Buzzard – to Golden Eagle. One of the project team’s early priorities was to establish a high level of visibility within all facets of the Golden Eagle supply chain.

Graham Swan, major projects director at Nexen, explains: “Nexen wanted to make certain that every company involved – large or small – had a clear understanding of how they fitted into the overall project. A key focus of early discussions was to cultivate alignment of the behaviours and values expected by all parties involved. “This proved to be an excellent way in setting the correct tone to embark upon this huge mission and gave all partners the opportunity to fully understand how their contribution mattered in successfully delivering the project.” The project team ensured they remained visible throughout the development phase. They followed the project’s centre of gravity, fromblueprints to fabrication yards to the flotel. A World Record The wellhead and production, utilities and quarters (PUQ) decks were fabricated by Lamprell in Dubai, with the accommodation and helideck built by SLP at their yard in Lowestoft.

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ECONOMIC REPORT 2015

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