Development

Martin Linge is a field located near the border to the UK sector in the northern part of the North Sea, 42 kilometres west of the Oseberg field. The water depth is 115 metres. Martin Linge was discovered in 1978, and the plan for development and operation (PDO) was approved in 2012. The development concept is a fully integrated fixed production platform and a floating storage and offloading unit (FSO) for oil storage. The installation is supplied with power from shore. A PDO exemption for the Herja discovery and the Hervor prospect was granted in 2017. The production started in 2021.

Reservoir

Martin Linge produces mainly gas and condensate from sandstone of Middle Jurassic age in the Brent Group. The reservoirs are structurally complex with high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) at depths of 3700-4400 metres. In addition, oil is produced from the Frigg Formation of Eocene age. The Frigg reservoir is at a depth of 1750 metres and has good quality.

Recovery strategy

The gas is produced by pressure depletion. Oil from the Frigg reservoir is produced by natural aquifer drive and gas lift. Some produced water is reinjected.

Transport

Rich gas is transported to the Frigg UK pipeline (FUKA), and on to the Shell-Esso Gas and Liquid (SEGAL) terminal at St Fergus in the UK. Oil and condensate are exported via tankers from the FSO.

Status

New 4D seismic data gathered in July 2023 will provide additional information for updating reservoir models and estimates of in-place volumes and reserves. Work is ongoing to prepare for the second drilling campaign on Martin Linge which is planned to start in early 2024.