Serica Energy’s 13million barrel Columbus gas project in the North Sea is facing potential delays due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
First production from the scheme, approved by the Oil and Gas Authority in 2018, is “likely” to be pushed back six months to late 2021, although a decision has not yet been made.
This is due to Shell delaying the commissioning of the pipeline for its Arran field, sanctioned two years ago, to the Shearwater platform – Columbus’ planned offtake route.
Serica is now reviewing the timing of the development well, which could defer around £11.5m of capital expenditure from 2020 to 2021.