Ula

The Ula field started production in 1986 and is now in a late-life phase. Aker BP intend to produce from Ula until 2028 at the latest. Ula is a production hub for the fields Tambar, Oda and Blane.

The Ula field is located in the southern part of the North Sea and consists of three platforms. The field centre also processes for the Tambar, Blane and Oda fields. The Tambar/Tambar East satellite fields have a wellhead platform that is remotely controlled from Ula. Oda and Blane are developed with underwater structures.

Increased oil recovery with WAG

Oil was originally recovered by pressure depletion, but after some years, water injection was used to increase recovery. Water-alternating gas injection (WAG) started in 1998. The WAG program has been extended with gas from Tambar since 2001, Blane since 2007 and Oda from 2019. Gas lift is used in some of the wells.

The positive effect of WAG resulted in drilling of additional WAG wells. Production from Oda, which is tied-in with Ula, started in March 2019. Gas from Oda is injected into the Ula reservoir to increase production.

Field cessation and removal

Aker BP intend to produce from Ula until latest 2028, when the field’s production license expires.

Planning for field cessation has been initiated, and the environmental impact assessment will be started in 2023. Removal of the installations at the Ula field is expected in the years following 2028.