Location North Sea Offshore/onshore offshore Operator Talisman Energy | Block 30/16 Discovery October 1970 Start of production 1975 | |
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Country Scotland, United Kingdom Estimated oil in place 88.5 million barrels (~1.21×10^ t) | ||
The Auk Oilfield is situated 249 kilometres (155 mi) east, southeast of Aberdeen, Scotland, in block number 30/16. It was operated by Shell UK Exploration and Production Ltd, in 50% partnership with ESSO until October 2006 when it was bought by Talisman Energy, and is now licensed by Talisman Energy. It was discovered in October 1970 in a water depth of 182 metres. Estimated ultimate recovery is 88.5 million barrels (14.07×106 m3) of oil.
The field is named after the Auk a family of sea birds. There is an (entirely fanciful) legend that it was to be called A UK, as the first British oilfield, until somebody realised that the sixth field would be called F UK and Shell's policy was rapidly changed to name their fields after sea birds. Shells sixth UK oilfield is called Fulmar.
The oil reservoir is located at a depth of 2,316 metres (7,598 ft).
Production started in December 1975 from the Auk 'A' platform. This platform is a steel, 8 legged jacket designed by Shell Oil and constructed at Methil, Fife, Scotland. This jacket weighs 3,414 tonnes and support a topside weight of around 8,000 tonnes.
The topsides facilities included capability to drill, produce meter and pump oil. Initially production was to an ELSBM and then to the Fulmar Alpha platform in August 1986.
Associated gas from the reservoir was separated and used to power electrical generation with the excess being flared.