ExxonMobil slashes production by 90,000 barrels after more trouble with gas compressor

ExxonMobil’s Guyana office on Tuesday afternoon said it had reduced production to just 30,000 barrels because of another problem with the gas compressor system aboard the oil production ship offshore Guyana.

Production was at 120,000 barrels.

“As we conducted the final testing phase of the reinstalled flash gas compressor and other components of the system on the Liza Destiny FPSO, we encountered an additional problem with the discharge silencer,” the company said in a statement.

The statement noted that a team from SBM Offshore, MAN Energy Solutions and ExxonMobil are on site to assess repairs, with support from engineering experts in Europe and the USA.

“We have reduced production to a minimum level that mitigates formation of hydrates in subsea systems, maintains gas injection and fuel gas to the power generators, and minimises flare.

The company said relevant government agencies have been notified and we are continuing to work with officials to determine the next best steps.

“ExxonMobil Guyana is extremely disappointed by the design issues and continued underperformance of this unit, and will be working with the equipment manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions and the vessel’s operator SBM to rectify the situation.

“This performance is below ExxonMobil’s global expectations for reliability.”