Otter

	Otter is a development of five subsea wells which are tied back to the Shell Expro-operated Eider platform. It is located in the Northern North Sea, 150km north-east of Shetland in a water depth of 182m. Total E&P UK Limited is operator of Otter field on behalf of the block licensees.

Export

Hydrocarbons are exported from Otter via the Eider platform to North Cormorant. The oil is then sent to the Sullom Voe Oil Terminal in Shetland via the Brent system and the gas is sent to the St Fergus Gas Terminal via the FLAGS system.


An industry innovation

Technical innovation and the use of existing infra structure has made the development of Otter economically viable. Artificial lift, required to recover reserves from the Otter reservoir, is provided by dual subsea electric submersible pumps (ESPs). These pumps are powered from Eider by three electrical cables. Installing dual ESPs in a subsea well is a world first. Otter is the longest subsea tie-back installed to date using ESPs.


Additional safety features

Artificial lift which is used on Otter speeds up production and increases overall reserves. The back-up pump system installed in each of the wells gives additional operational flexibility. slug suppression facilities are installed at the export reception point in case slugging occurs in the multi-phase export system.


A technological leader

Otter's location makes it one of the North Sea's most northerly fields. It is also one of the deepest subsea tie-backs in the North Sea. It is a good example of how technical innovation and ongoing commercial effectiveness within the industry can unlock the stranded reserves of the UKCS. Otter not only adds new reserves but also extends the life of its host, the Eider field.