Oil and gas explorer MPX North Sea has applied to the Department of Energy and Climate Change to develop the Orlando field.
It would be brought into production through two subsea production wells tied back to the Ninian Central platform operated by CNR International and oil would be exported to the Sullom Voe terminal on Shetland.
Orlando, in the northern North Sea, was discovered by a well drilled by Chevron in 1988-89.
Recoverable reserves on Orlando, discovered by Chevron in 1988, are estimated to be nine-13million barrels of oil.
According to MPX’s environmental statement, submitted in December, offshore work on the development is expected to start with modifications to the Ninian platform in the third quarter of 2012, with the Orlando development drilling in the fourth quarter running into the first quarter of 2013.
Installation of subsea facilities would be in the second quarter of 2013 with first oil expected in the third quarter of 2013.
MPX’s partners on the field are Sorgenia E&P (UK) with 35% and Iona Energy Company (UK) with 35%.
