Serica Energy’s 13m barrel Columbus project ‘likely’ to be delayed due to virus

Serica Energy’s 13million barrel Columbus gas project in the North Sea is facing potential delays due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

First production from the scheme, approved by the Oil and Gas Authority in 2018, is “likely” to be pushed back six months to late 2021, although a decision has not yet been made.

This is due to Shell delaying the commissioning of the pipeline for its Arran field, sanctioned two years ago, to the Shearwater platform – Columbus’ planned offtake route.

Serica is now reviewing the timing of the development well, which could defer around £11.5m of capital expenditure from 2020 to 2021.

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