Upstream Gas Production
Like many countries and regions around the globe, the discovery and production of offshore natural gas have transformed the energy picture in Israel. Before 2004, the country imported all of its natural gas. With the development of offshore gas fields Mari-B, Tamar and Leviathan, followed by the Karish and Tanin fields, in only two decades Israel has gone from an exclusive oil and gas importer to producing sufficient gas to meet domestic needs plus additional exports to Jordan and Egypt.
Lummus Consultants engaged with several confidential clients involved in the development of Israel’s natural gas production facilities. The scope of work progressed from a post-construction review of Mari-B to technical and environmental/social reviews in support of initial financing for subsequent projects and then to construction and operations monitoring.
The technical reviews included the following aspects of the development projects:
- Subsea wells and drilling program
- Gathering pipelines and risers
- Platforms and floating production, storage and offloading, including fabrication and installation challenges
- Topsides processing and living quarters
- Export pipelines and beach crossings
- Shore facilities and the interconnect to the Israeli gas infrastructure
- Climate, hydrology, topography and geotechnical risks
The economic reviews included capital expenses with supporting agreements, our opinion on contingency, operating expenses, execution plan and schedule, and projected performance. The scope of work also included a review of permitting and licensing requirements as well as evaluation of compliance with the Equator Principles.
After the financial close, Lummus Consultants monitored and reported on the design, procurement and construction activities while evaluating compliance against contractual obligations, including quality and safety. We certified final completion and thereafter monitored operations on a half-yearly basis.
Lummus Consultants’ services enabled the clients to successfully finance and refinance their interests in the upstream developments. Today, the developments supply more than 2,000 MMcfd of natural gas to the Israeli grid for domestic use and export needs.
At-a-Glance
Technology: Upstream natural gas production
Our role: Independent technical and environmental consultant
Scope of services: Due diligence, construction monitoring, operations monitoring
Location: Offshore Israel
Client: Confidential
Highlights
- Supported national migration from coal and heavy oil to natural gas for power generation
- Helped establish and strengthen energy-based geopolitical relationships
- Work products adapted over time to support multiple refinancing