Abstract
The development of the Lunskoye gas field is the centerpiece of the Sakhalin-2 project. The field is located offshore Sakhalin Island. The field was discovered in 1984 and was appraised by seven wells drilled from a mobile rig confirming a large gas accumulation. The Lunskoye-A (LUN-A) platform with limited offshore processing facilities was installed in 2006. Onshore Processing Facility (OPF) for the Lunskoye gas/condensate, offshore and onshore pipelines, a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant and oil and gas export terminals were completed and ready for operations in 2008 (Figure 1). Challenges that had to be overcome during the construction work were the lack of infrastructure, the seismically active area and the presence of rich onshore and offshore wildlife. Harsh, arctic like conditions such as temperatures as low as -40 degree C and long offshore ice periods from December till June, make it an extremely difficult environment to operate. Development drilling from LUN-A commenced in late 2007 and the first six gas producers were successfully completed on time to deliver the required contractual peak 2010 winter gas capacity of approximately 1.7 Bscf/d to the LNG plant. Lunskoye also produces up to 50,000 bbl of condensate per day. The fully integrated production system from the LUN-A wells to the LNG plant showed a smooth start up from early 2009 despite the many challenges and a very tight schedule.
After the completion of the 7th gas well in July 2010 the cumulative well capacity reached 2.3 Bscf/d or 330 MMscf /d per well on average. Two of the wells are 9 5/8 inch monobore gas completions with a world class potential deliverability of more than 500 MMscf/d. Development drilling is expected to continue uninterrupted until 2015 to maintain gas capacity and to develop the oil rim.
