ExxonMobil Guyana announced moments ago that it has successfully removed the discharge silencer, a component of the Liza Destiny’s gas compressor system that recently malfunctioned during the final stage of tests and installation.
The subsidiary said that the equipment will undergo further assessment to determine the necessary scope of repairs and/or modifications. It estimates that repairs or replacement will take approximately three months. Additionally, the company said that plans that initiated in 2020 are progressing to install a redesigned third-stage flash gas compression system at the end of this year.
As regards its production, ExxonMobil Guyana said that it has begun to “slowly ramp up” production to 100,000-110,000 barrels per day (bpd) at a flare level of no more than 15 million cubic feet of gas per day. This would represent a massive leap from where figures stood previously. Less than two weeks ago, when ExxonMobil had announced that the gas compressor had broken down for the fourth time, the company said that production would be lowered to 30,000 bpd. Flare levels were also hovering around three to four million cubic feet.
The company was keen to note however that the increase followed careful consideration of safety, environmental, technical, and economic factors as well as discussions with the relevant government agencies on the best path forward while repairs and upgrades are ongoing.
In conclusion on this matter, ExxonMobil Guyana reiterated that it is extremely disappointed by these ongoing technical challenges but “we are proud of the team offshore that continues to work safely and manage operations efficiently during the COVID-19 pandemic.” It added, “We will continue to work with the relevant parties to rectify the situation as soon as possible.”
