Western Isles delivery first oil milestone

I am delighted to advise that Western Isles commenced production on 15th November, bringing another major project online in the North Sea. 

Western Isles is Dana Petroleum's first end to end Major Project : to be explored, sanctioned, delivered and brought on-stream, and at nearly $2bn outturn cost, it has been a major undertaking and achievement for both Dana and its partner Cieco. 

Throughout the course of the project, we completed nearly 14 million hours of work without a Lost Time Injury. Credit has to go to the project teams and to our contractors (of which there are too many to mention) for this fantastic outcome.

Every Major Project has aspects that people remember, and for me there are many; but my top 5 are:-

1. We successfully delivered the first ever new build FPSO to be built in China, paving the way for the potential to build offshore facilities at significantly reduced costs.  This was a major milestone for Dana, but also for COSCO China; who ensured that the sail away was live-streamed on China National television (CCTV).
2. From when I joined the project, we developed and then successfully implemented a suite of unique and challenging interventions, to recover the FPSO to its outturn status. Safety case issued 6 months ahead of sail away, minimal carryover at sail away China, and compliance plan recognized as being best in class
3. For the transport of the FPSO from China to Rotterdam (for our pit stop ahead of transport to the field) we used the new build heavy transportation vessel the 'Xin Guan Hua', which is the worlds second largest heavy transport vessel. This was its first major voyage and it was also the heaviest cargo that COSCO transport had ever carried
4. In 2017, we planned and then delivered a successful suite of offshore campaigns; 14 in total covering over 400 vessel days. These were primarily delivered by Subsea 7 (Subsea EPC contractor) and DOF Subsea (FPSO mooring and transport to the field). All campaigns were all delivered ahead of plan. Western Isles was also the largest project delivery scope for both Subsea 7 UK and DOF Subsea UK in 2017
5. We were the first ever user of two great new Subsea 7 vessels, the Seven Artic Deepwater Construction Vessel and the Seven Kestrel Diving Support Vessel. We were also I believe the first project to launch a bundle in the eye of a Winter storm

To all those involved in Western Isles, I can only say thank you. I am so proud of our collective achievements.  Dana would not and could not have reached this milestone without all your contributions.

And I look forwards to hearing about 15+ years of successful production.

Attached is a picture of the Western Isles FPSO producing the day after start up, and also a link to where you can find a project summary video.

Link to Dana videos

It is days like today when I realize why I love projects .... !

Thanks you,

Keith Williams

Project General Manager, Western Isles Development Project