Shell has successfully restarted production at the Penguins field in the UK North Sea, utilising a state-of-the-art floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) facility.
This marks a significant milestone for the company and its partner NEO Energy, each holding a 50 per cent stake in the project.
The new FPSO replaces the previous export route via the Brent Charlie platform, which ceased operations in 2021 and is currently undergoing decommissioning.
With an estimated peak production of 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) and a recoverable resource volume of approximately 100 million boe, the Penguins field is set to play a crucial role in the UK’s energy landscape.
While primarily focused on oil production, the field will also generate enough gas to heat around 700,000 UK homes annually.
The new FPSO boasts improved environmental performance, with operational emissions expected to be 30 per cent lower than those of the Brent Charlie platform.
This advancement aligns with Shell’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and is projected to extend the field’s operational life by up to 20 years.
Zoë Yujnovich, Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, emphasised the project’s importance, stating: “The Penguins field is a source of the secure domestic energy production people need today, and the FPSO is a demonstration of our investment in competitive projects that create more value with less emissions.”
The redevelopment of the Penguins field involved drilling additional wells tied back to the new FPSO.
Located 241.4 kilometres northeast of the Shetland Islands at a water depth of 165 metres, the field has a rich history dating back to its discovery in 1974.
This project represents Shell’s first newly operated facility in the UK North Sea in over two decades.
It showcases the company’s ongoing commitment to the region and its ability to adapt to changing energy needs while prioritising environmental considerations.
As the UK continues to rely heavily on imports for its oil and gas demands, the revitalised Penguins field stands as a significant contributor to domestic energy production, supporting the nation’s energy security goals while demonstrating Shell’s dedication to sustainable and efficient operations in the North Sea.
