Type:
Oil
Facility:
Production
Water Depth:
84
Installed:
1975
meters
Block:
30/16
Design:
Fixed steel
Sub Structure:
3414
Topsides Wgt:
8093
tonnes
tonnes
Intro
The Auk A fixed steel jacket platform in the UK North Sea was installed in July 1974 and began production in December 1975. A combined drilling, production and accommodation facility, it thickens production fluids for export to nearby processing hubs. It sits in ~182-m of water with integrated topsides and jackets supporting multilevel functions.
Field
The Auk oilfield is located ~249-km east-southeast of Aberdeen in Block 30/16. Discovered in 1970, it produces from Rotliegendes sandstone reservoirs overlain by Zechstein carbonates at ~2,316-m depth. The field has been a long-term crude oil producer with significant recoverable reserves and typical UKCS reservoir characteristics.
Facilities
Auk A carries drilling and production well slots feeding the topsides separation and stabilization facilities. Crude oil is processed locally for water and gas removal, with stabilized oil routed via pipeline to the Fulmar platform for blending and onward export through the Norpipe system to Teesside. Produced gas can be lifted or used as fuel gas; excess is exported or flared per field agreements. Utility systems include onboard power generation, produced water management, nitrogen and chemical injection systems, and control & safety infrastructure. Accommodation modules support operations and maintenance personnel. Jacket and topsides weights, structural design and well spacing were engineered for North Sea conditions, with deepwater load capacity and corrosion protection. The layout supports routine drilling, tubular services and sustained production into maturity.
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