Due to rough weather conditions in the North Sea, production from the
Siri-field in the Danish part of the North Sea is not expected to be resumed
until sometime in January 2010.
On 31 August 2009, the operator of the Siri field, DONG Energy, decided to stop
production from the field following a routine inspection revealing cracks in a
subsea structure connected to the oil storage tank underneath the Siri
platform.
A temporary solution involving a metal frame that supports the subsea structure
will ensure the stability of the construction so it is possible to resume the
production until a permanent solution is in place. The installation of the
temporary solution is progressing, but rough weather conditions in the North
Sea in December have delayed the installation of the metal frame on the sea
bed. DONG Energy expects to complete the installation work and to resume
production during January 2010 depending on favourable weather conditions.
The Nini East-field, also operated by DONG Energy, is fully developed with
three new wells and is expected to commence initial production shortly after
the Siri-platform resumes production. The Nini East development will increase
the total production from the area significantly. The field is developed as a
satellite to the Siri-field with a new un-manned platform app. 40 km. from
Siri.
DONG Energy's partners in the area are Noreco and RWE.
The production stoppage at Siri will adversely affect DONG Energy's expected
production from the area in 2009. However, as production from other DONG Energy
fields have exceeded expectations, the overall effect will not alter the
previous guidance for DONG Energy's financial results for 2009 or the company's
expected investment level.
For additional information, please contact
Media Relations
Ulrik Frøhlke
+45 9955 9560
Investor Relations
Morten Hultberg Buchgreitz
+45 9955 9750
DONG Energy is one of the leading energy groups in Northern Europe. We are
headquartered in Denmark. Our business is based on procuring, producing,
distributing and trading in energy and related products in Northern Europe. We
have approximately 6,000 employees and generated more than DKK 60 billion (EUR
8.2 billion) in revenue in 2008. For further information, see
www.dongenergy.com.