Project San Cristobal, El –Tigre, Venezuela got a fresh infusion of energy when Mr. P. K. Rao, Director (Operations), recently visited the San Cristobal Project. There has been continuous decline in the production from the project due to decline in the reservoir pressure. Detailed reservoir studies had been carried out by the joint venture with active support of subsurface professionals of ONGC Videsh and Corporate Exploration Center of ONGC and a scheme of water injection named remediation plan was finalized for the field.
Director (Operations), ONGC Videsh Chairing review meeting at El-Tigre
However, the scheme was facing delays on account of resource crunch besides difficult social environment in the country challenging the remediation efforts. Continuous engagement by the ONGC Videsh management has led to signing of Agreements on Nov 04, 2016 for receipt of past dividends and financing for remediation plan. Since then about USD 88 million of past dividend has been received and about USD 17 million has been disbursed to the joint venture as loan for implementation of remediation plan.
Director (Operations) with Mr. Ruben Figuera, Director-PdVSA and other officials of PIVSA
The remediation plan envisages enhancing reservoir pressure by water injection, drilling of 17 water injector wells, 36 additional producer wells and creation of surface facilities for injecting 140 KBPD of water into the reservoir, processing of 80 KBPD of produced liquid and compression facilities for 15 MMSCFD of gas. Success of this scheme would enhance visibility of ONGC´s technical capability in overseas operations. The scheme has been also vetted by ONGC Institutes – IRS and IOGPT. Consequently, the first phase of water injection has been accelerated by constant engagement with the JV and long pending jobs towards creation of injection facilities have commenced to inject about 45 KBPD of water. These facilities comprise of three water supply wells, gas separator system, storage tank, water injection pumps, water injection lines and 5 injector wells.
Director (Operations) with employees of PIVSA supervising field operations
The culmination was achieved with the inauguration of the phase-1 water injection by Mr. P.K. Rao, Director (Operations), on April 29, 2017 at San Cristobal Field. During the ceremony PDVSA was represented by Mr. Ruben Figuera, Executive Director (New Developments) and Mr. Jose Aredondo, Manager Indian operations, Mr. Nelson Ramirez, President PIVSA, Mr. SK Thamilselvan, Country Manager and other ONGC Secondees in Venezuela. Employees of the Joint Venture were also present at the occasion in large number.
Director (Operations) inaugurating the water injection & addressing the employees of PIVSA
During his address, Mr. P.K.Rao, Director (Operations), expressed his gratitude towards the Board of ONGC/ONGC Videsh and CVP-PDVSA for their support for the project which was very vital for its success. He emphasised to work collectively to improve the production performance by improving the operational efficiency, thereby reducing the lifting cost. The ceremony took place just ahead of Labor Day, which is a big event in Venezuela. On the occasion, Mr. P.K. Rao greeted all the workers present and complimented them for the hard efforts made by them. He expressed hope that they will continue to work with same zeal and dedication to take the project to greater heights and thus strengthen the friendship between India and Venezuela.