BHP announced that first oil production from the Ruby Field has been realized ahead of schedule.

The announcement was made today when senior leadership from BHP, outgoing Country Manager, Vincent Pereira and incoming Country Manager, Michael Stone met with the Minister of Energy and Energy Industry, The Honourable Stuart Young.

The Ruby Field is part of the Ruby-Delaware Field Development in Block 3(a) which will produce oil and natural gas resources using six (6) development wells with peak production rates expected at 16,000 bopd and 80 mmscf/d of natural gas. All development wells are expected to be online at the start of Q3 2021.

The Minister congratulated BHP on their safe operations in these challenging times and discussed certain specific projects that he would like BHP to work on with the Government, all designed to secure the future of the energy sector.

According to a release from BHP, Geraldine Slattery, BHP President Petroleum, said “The start-up of Ruby represents continued development of BHP’s oil and gas production facilities in Trinidad and Tobago, re-enforces the quality of the resource and its investment competitiveness. An Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) seismic survey acquired by BHP and the Block 3(a) partners in 2018, was utilized to illuminate and optimally position the Ruby Project development wells.  This marks a significant milestone for our Petroleum business and our future in Trinidad and Tobago.”

BHP Country Manager of Trinidad and Tobago, Michael Stone said: “Achieving first oil safely and ahead of schedule reflects the true tenacity of the Ruby project team together with our industry and Government partners who persevered to deliver this project amid a global pandemic. This important milestone also highlights BHP’s continued commitment to doing business in Trinidad and Tobago as we celebrate 25 years of operations here this year.”

Drilling and completions activities at Ruby are ongoing, with subsequent wells to be placed into production in the second and third quarter of 2021 and project completion expected in the third quarter of 2021. 

The Ruby development is a joint venture between BHP (operator; 68.46 per cent interest) and The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (31.54 per cent interest).