Equinor transfers operatorship of UK’s Bressay project to EnQuest

Equinor has agreed to sell a 40.8 per cent interest in and transfer operatorship of the Bressay oil field development on the UK continental shelf to EnQuest.

The initial consideration is £2.2 million, payable as a carry against 50 per cent of Equinor’s net share of costs, with a contingent consideration of US$15 million following authority approval of a field development plan for Bressay.

“This transaction supports Equinor’s strategy to continually optimise our portfolio. We welcome EnQuest as the new operator of Bressay and believe the knowledge and experience both parties can share from our existing Mariner and Kraken developments will further strengthen the project,” saod Arne Gürtner, Equinor’s senior vice president for UK & Ireland offshore.

The Bressay oil field was discovered east of Shetland in 1976 and Equinor became operator in 2007. The concept selection for the field development was deferred in 2016 due to challenging market conditions and the need to simplify the development concept.

“Equinor will continue to be the U.K.’s leading energy supplier, and we are committed to delivering oil, gas, wind power and hydrogen to the country - playing our role in creating jobs, boosting investment and lowering carbon emissions. We look forward to working with EnQuest and the U.K. authorities to progress the Bressay project,” added Gürtner.

The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including partner and authority approval, with an estimated completion date in Q4 2020. Following completion, EnQuest will have an 40.8125 per cent interest and operatorship, Equinor will have 40.8125 per cent, with Chrysaor retaining a 18.375 per cent interest.