ExxonMobil Guyana has assured that the flaring issues plaguing the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel since 2020 are scheduled to end by the beginning of the third quarter. This is possible since the new, redesigned flash gas compressor has arrived in country for installation after extensive testing in Germany.
Exxon said today that its team is working towards start-up in mid-July with the aim of also achieving background flare on that vessel as designed.
ExxonMobil’s Production Manager, Mike Ryan said, “We have relentlessly pursued a solution to this highly complex issue and have never lost sight of that goal. We are pleased that the newly designed machine is now offshore and the teams are methodically removing the original machine in preparation for the upgraded flash gas compressor installation and startup.”
Over the last several months, the performance of the second and third-stage flash gas compressor on the Liza Destiny has been stable and more than 96 percent of the gas produced was reinjected and/or used to power the vessel.
“Recent optimisation tests have confirmed the performance of the previously upgraded equipment and we were able to boost production to more than 140,000 barrels of oil per day, while maintaining the flare rates to a minimum,” Ryan added.
Contrary to reports, with the previously installed machine, Ryan said production on the Destiny would have had to be zero in order to achieve background flare.
Since start-up in December 2019, Ryan said Exxon has managed production in a manner that balances the environmental commitment and economic needs of the country, in alignment with government priorities.
The Production Manager assured that ExxonMobil Guyana continues to work with the relevant government agencies to ensure compliance with regulations and responsible development of the country’s natural resources.
