Hartshead Resources and its joint venture partner RockRose (UKCS2) have completed the survey for the pipeline route for the Anning and Somerville fields offshore UK.

Undertaken using the Gardline MV Ocean Observer vessel over a period of more than one month, the survey covered the offtake pipeline route for the Anning and Somerville field developments.

Hartshead said that seabed technical and environment data has now been acquired and the survey’s objectives were met with more than 1,000km of seismic lines run.

The partners will now assess the survey data to provide critical input to the Environmental Statement and a detailed understanding of the seabed conditions to help in gas pipelay.

Hartshead noted that invitation to tender (ITT) for the pipelines' engineering, procurement, construction and installation has been issued to five pipeline and subsea installation contracting companies.

In a press statement, Hartshead said: “Responses to the ITT are expected in the current quarter, which will then be evaluated as per internal Hartshead process ensuring a transparent, fair and competitive tender process. Tender award is expected in early 2024.”

Hartshead COO Keith Bush said: "We would like to thank the team involved in performing the survey work with extreme diligence and attention to safety, working in rapidly changing weather conditions and showing remarkable flexibility when changes to the programme were required.

“The data gathered will allow us to progress the Environmental Statement as planned and ensure that tenders for the pipeline contracts reflect the real conditions on the seabed.”

Earlier this year, Hartshead submitted its Phase I field development plan (FDP) for the Anning and Somerville gas fields to the North Sea Transition Authority.

The FDP includes a detailed description of the subsurface interpretation, planned development wells, production forecasts and facilities.