Sterling Resources Postpones First Production at Breagh Field

Sterling Resources postponed first production from the Breagh field in the Southern North Sea "due to some remedial works identified during the commissioning of the Teesside Gas Processing Plant (TGPP)," reads a note released on Thursday.

"Sterling has been advised that first gas sales from the Breagh field is now expected late August to early September," wrote the company in the press release. 

According to the Calgary-based energy company, the planned testing detected leaks, which "has been more extensive than allowed for in commissioning plans."

Sterling said that remedial works are progressing, limiting the slippage from August to early September.

"Offshore facilities and the export pipeline to the terminal are fully commissioned and pressurized with hydrocarbon gas, ready to commence production immediately on completion of TGPP works," explained the company in the note. 

Earlier this month, Sterling Resources revised its schedule for operations at the Breagh gas field, explaining that a new field development plan (FDP) will be submitted by December 31, 2013. Operator RWE Dea and Sterling were planning to submit the Phase 2 FDP addendum by June 30, 2013.

The Breagh gas field is located in Block 42/13 of the northern reaches of the UK Southern North Sea. It lies 50 km to the north east of the UK coast and 200 km to the west of the median line between the UK and Dutch sectors.