Type:
Gas
Facility:
Production
Water Depth:
32
Installed:
1985
meters
Block:
110/3
Design:
Fixed steel
Sub Structure:
5500
Topsides Wgt:
5200
tonnes
tonnes
Intro
Morecambe DP1 is a drilling platform within the South Morecambe Central Processing Complex (CPC) in the East Irish Sea. Operational since the mid-1980s, it is bridge-linked to CPP1 (processing) and AP1 (accommodation). DP1 provides drilling support and host facilities for well interventions and development drilling across the Morecambe South field.
Field
South Morecambe is a mature UKCS gas-condensate field in the East Irish Sea discovered in 1974 and first producing in 1985. The reservoir principally comprises shallow marine sands, developed with multiple fixed platforms and subsea tie-backs to the CPC. The field remains a key gas producer decades after first production.
Facilities
DP1’s core function is to facilitate drilling and well workover operations. The platform provides drilling derrick, mud handling, tubular storage, and well control systems for drilling new wells or performing interventions on existing wells tied into the South Morecambe field. It connects via bridges to CPP1 and AP1, enabling efficient personnel and logistics movement. While DP1 itself does not host major processing trains, it integrates with CPP1 for flowlines, control systems, and export interfaces. Support infrastructure includes mud pumps, drill floor equipment, power distribution, and accommodation support. Connection to the CPC enables access to central processing utilities (power, water, control) and emergency systems. DP1’s drilling modules include BOP control, flare stacks, and well testing manifolds to handle drilling returns. The platform’s structural design accommodates drilling loads and supports helideck access for crew changes.
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