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Shell first to use MARS for reservoir stimulation

Offshore

Offshore staff

HOUSTON -- Shell UK Ltd. has installed the first of three subsea Multiple Application Re-injection Systems (MARS) interfaces on its Bittern field in the North Sea.

The system, which has been described as a "USB port for wellheads" is a Cameron technology, supplied by DES Operations.

"Until now operators have been using MARS for multiphase pumping and metering operations but this is a world first for reservoir stimulation," says Ian Donald, managing director of DES.

Following the successful commissioning, Shell is now able to complete reservoir stimulation / scale squeeze operations from a ROV support vessel without the need for a mobile offshore drilling unit or diving support.

The remaining two MARS systems are due for installation later this year and will enable Shell to undertake multiple well stimulation campaigns from a single ROV vessel.

"We approached DES two years ago to see if their technology could be adapted for our scale squeeze operations, and have worked with DES since then to this successful conclusion," says John Anthony, Shell project manager.