Block Gets Key Equipment at Georgian Gas Site

London-listed Block Energy has received an early production facility (EPF) for the West Rustavi gas project in Georgia, it reported on June 18, adding it had hired a consultancy to help plan its development work.

The EPF has arrived from Canada and comprises an inlet manifold for six wells, separators and a gas dehydration and measuring unit. Block intends to launch gas sales from Rustavi later this year, once its WR16aZ and WR-38 wells have been hooked up to the EPF and a pipeline built.

Block announced a 40% cut in spending in April in response to the market turmoil. But CEO Paul Haywood said the company remained "enthusiastically active on many fronts." It has hired international consultancy EPI to provide subsoil reservoir management services to help it develop existing fields and those it intends to buy from Schlumberger. 

Georgia is easing its coronavirus lockdown, but Block's wells at West Rustavi remain shut-in. Its employees are only being paid 60% of their salaries, with the remainder being deferred or paid in share options.