Slow start for Antrim's Causeway field

Initial production rates on Antrim Energy's Causeway field in the North Sea have proved lower than expected, due to problems associated with the long horizontal nature of the well.

The Canadian group said the Causeway field in UKCS Block 211/23d, in which it has a 35.5% working interest, has started production with gross output rates of around 4,500 barrels of oil per day on a 53% choke; a "choke" is a device installed to restrict the flow of fluids.

The next phase of work on Causeway and the Fionn oil field is anticipated to commence early in 2013 and to be completed by the middle of the year, the company revealed.

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Stephen Greer, Antrim President and Chief Executive Officer, said the production of oil from its UK North Sea interests represents a major milestone for Antrim.

"Causeway is expected to contribute substantial cash flow to Antrim, as we continue to develop our existing assets and explore other opportunities in the UK and elsewhere," Greer said.

JH