Shell has started to supply natural gas from the Ineos and Spirit Energy-owned Clipper South field into the UK gas network via Shell’s Clipper hub in the southern North Sea.

Under a new commercial agreement with Ineos and Spirit Energy, Shell is remotely operating the Clipper South field and transporting the gas through the Clipper hub for processing at Shell’s Bacton terminal in Norfolk. The gas is then fed into the UK National Grid.

The unmanned Clipper South platform had relied upon the Lincolnshire Offshore Gas Gathering System (LOGGS) and Theddlethorpe gas terminal to transport its gas to shore. The new Clipper hub to Bacton route will help ensure its continued operation after the planned decommissioning of those assets.

“Our Clipper hub and upgraded terminal at Bacton are helping to maximise the recovery of gas from the UK North Sea,” said ONEGas Asset Manager, Anne O’Halloran. “We are keen to partner with other companies on similar agreements to help supply gas to homes and businesses across the country.”

Shell and ExxonMobil completed a £300 million rejuvenation project at the Bacton gas terminal in 2017, enabling it to handle more gas from offshore fields.

The Clipper hub is located approximately 41 miles (66 kilometres) from the Norfolk coast and can transport up to 400 million standard cubic feet of gas a day.

About the Clipper field

The Clipper field is in the southern part of the UK sector of the North Sea in the Sole Pit area.
It is located 70 miles (113km) north-east of Lowestoft and 46 miles (73km) from Bacton.
The Clipper hub produces and processes gas from its own wells, and imports and processes gas from the Barque, Galleon, Skiff, Cutter and Carrack fields. It is a normally attended installation that comprises five fixed-bridge linked platforms.

About Royal Dutch Shell plc

Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 70 countries and territories with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of liquefied natural gas and gas to liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects.