VetcoGray completes challenging project in Egypt's Gulf of Suez, converting exploration well to full production

The project marks the first time that VetcoGray has converted a mudline exploration system to an SG- 1 wellhead subsea system for production duty.

The newly converted well entered service in April of this year.

"The new conversion system removed the need for Agiba Petroleum to re-enter the reservoir from a new wellhead, as this had proven difficult during the exploration phase.

This solution therefore removed significant cost and risk from the project," said Willie Bryson, VetcoGray's product line manager for Tree on Mudline.

"When the West Ashrafi well conversion was first envisioned, a number of technical challenges were identified that could have affected the viability of the project," he added.

"VetcoGray worked closely with our customer to complete a feasibility study, which concluded that all of the challenges could be overcome.

VetcoGray subsequently executed the engineering and construction of the conversion system, and supported the final installation through our global services division."

Additional challenges for the project included the distance between the beach-mounted topside equipment (umbilical termination and hydraulic power units) and the master control station, which was located a kilometer away.

A separate communications and power system was used to achieve the subsea communications, while fiber optic communications were utilized between the HPU/TUTU and the MCS.

"Our primary concern was making sure the project went according to plan and that we were able to get the new system on stream smoothly," said Marco Solca and Mohamed Mokhtar, Agiba - project general managers.

Enrico Salardi, ENI-project manager, offshore Egyptian developments, added: "Thanks to the strong teamwork among the project participants, this was accomplished."

Based in Cairo, Egypt, Agiba Petroleum Company, a joint venture company between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and ENI, produces approximately 50,000 barrels of oil per day.

ENI, an Italian multi-national oil and gas company, has operated in Egypt for nearly 50 years.