IOG , the Net Zero UK gas and infrastructure operator focused on high return projects, provides a further update on Phase 1 operations.

Andrew Hockey, CEO of IOG, commented: 
"I am on site again today at Bacton onshore terminal reviewing the latest progress, which is now 93% complete. Although it is very frustrating that it has been slower than planned, we are making every effort with the terminal operator Perenco to facilitate the fastest possible resolution. An expanded team is working days and nights aiming to be ready for back-gassing in mid-February, with First Gas expected approximately a week later.

Meanwhile, working with our drilling contractors and expert consultants, we have also been proactively engineering several options to resume safe drilling operations at Southwark. The timeline is expected to become clearer once we have analysed newly acquired seabed survey data this week.

We will keep shareholders regularly updated through these important final steps in bringing Phase 1 onstream."

Saturn Banks Reception Facilities (SBRF) at Bacton Gas Terminal

SBRF construction and pre-commissioning works, which are controlled by Bacton Gas Terminal operator Perenco UK Limited (PUK) on behalf of IOG, were 93% complete by Sunday 23 January. IOG senior management is in continuous dialogue with their PUK counterparts to expedite onshore completion as fast as possible. Work continued throughout the year end 2021 period and the on-site team has been expanded, albeit total personnel numbers are limited by the terminal operator's safety limits and have also been affected by Covid-19 related absences.

However, progress is being made and full readiness for commencement of back-gassing of the offshore pipeline system is targeted for mid-February. First Gas from both Blythe and Elgood is expected approximately a week thereafter. An important recent milestone was the handover of Blythe platform communications and Elgood subsea controls to the Bacton control room following successful testing of the integrated control and safety systems. The remaining work to complete primarily consists of the final electrical and instrumentation, construction and pre-commissioning, and system leak testing, all of which are being executed on both day and night shifts.

Southwark

As previously announced, earlier this month the Noble Hans Deul rig was obliged to suspend drilling operations at Southwark as seabed conditions were causing excessive movement relative to the platform. Since then, the Company and its drilling contractors, assisted by technical experts experienced in similar situations, have been working constructively together to urgently investigate a range of potential solutions. Meanwhile, on 15 January the rig was moved to a safe location in the Elgood 500m zone where routine inspections are underway. Initial indications are that the rig remains fully serviceable.

Data from a new Southwark seabed survey is now being analysed to inform relocation and remediation options. The optimal plan would potentially enable the rig to safely resume Southwark drilling in the next 4-6 weeks, with scour protection applied after arrival. However, this remains subject to further investigation and an alternative plan may be required. Next steps and timing are likely to be clearer once survey data analysis is completed this week.

Capital expenditure

The Company previously indicated that the gross outturn total Phase 1 capital expenditure was anticipated to exceed the original £305.5 million Field Development Plan (FDP) budget by up to 10%. Unplanned interruptions to the drilling campaign, additional requirements for offshore pre-operating activities and the need for an expanded scope of subsea and pipeline installations over recent months have now increased the anticipated gross outturn total Phase 1 capital expenditure to up to 20-25% over the FDP budget once the Southwark wells have been completed. However, based upon our revised project schedule no additional financing requirement is currently expected to be required to bring all three Phase 1 fields onstream. As a prudent additional measure, the Company also recently signed a €5 million working capital facility with a recognised international bank. Meanwhile, despite recent volatility, the UK NBP gas forward curve currently remains significantly above its long-term historical annual average. Further guidance will be issued in due course.

KeyFacts Energy: IOG UK country profile