(St. John’s, NL – May 27, 2021) During a recent call with investors, Suncor Energy CEO Mark Little commented on the future of the Terra Nova FPSO and efforts to confirm the Asset Life Extension project of the vessel. Mr. Little stated that a deadline to decide on the project has been set for June 15, 2021. Noia is encouraged that Mr. Little indicated Suncor would like to proceed with the project and implores the parties to find a resolution before the deadline.
“Noia understands the business requirements of Suncor Energy to set a deadline for a decision on the Asset Life Extension Program of the Terra Nova FPSO and we remain hopeful that an agreement will be reached prior to June 15. This project provides approximately 1,000 direct jobs and thousands more through the service and supply sector through the use of helicopters, supply vessels, environmental monitoring, catering, maintenance, health, safety and medical services, human resources and so much more. There are thousands more employed through spinoffs such as restaurants, accommodations like hotels and campgrounds, car and real estate sales, and struggling local businesses that will be greatly impacted, along with hundreds of organizations in the community and volunteer sectors.”
• Noia CEO, Charlene Johnson
On January 14, 2021, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding had been reached with the project owners. The province also committed up to $175 million on a matching contribution basis and possibly modifying the royalty regime should an agreement be reached. This commitment was based on an agreement for long-term production via the Terra Nova Project. Noia is requesting that all parties involved find a positive resolution as quickly as possible.
“Every effort must be made to ensure we maximize resource recovery and value for our province. The Terra Nova field has produced approximately 425 million barrels of oil and we know the asset life extension project was expected to capture another 80 million. We should not strand those 80 million barrels. The project has provided billions of dollars in revenue to both the operating partners and the federal and provincial governments, and I do not believe anyone can simply walk away. In January, an MOU between the parties was announced and it seemed a deal was a strong possibility; we need to get back to that place. On behalf of the Noia members who rely upon the project, I implore all parties to find a positive resolution as soon as possible.”
• Noia CEO, Charlene Johnson
The Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association (Noia) was founded in 1977 to represent the supply and service sector of the offshore oil and gas industry. Today, Noia represents approximately 460 member organizations worldwide which are involved in, or benefit from, the oil and gas industry of Newfoundland and Labrador. Noia members are a diverse representation of businesses that range from offshore supply boats and helicopters, health and safety equipment and training, engineering solutions and fabricators to law firms and human resource agencies.
Backgrounder
Recent commentary by Noia on the future of the Terra Nova FPSO can be found here:
- https://energynl.ca/2021/05/noia-comments-on-the-future-of-the-terra-nova-project/
- https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-56-st-johns-morning-show/clip/15841037-terra-nova-fpso
- https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/news/local/industry-association-raises-concerns-over-future-of-terra-nova-project-off-newfoundland-100583610/
- https://energynl.ca/2021/05/?cat=50
Terra Nova Project Facts*
Suncor Energy operates the Terra Nova field, which is located offshore approximately 350 kilometres southeast of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Discovered in 1984, the oil field was the second to be developed on the Grand Banks offshore Newfoundland. Production from the field began in 2002, using the Terra Nova Floating, Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.
First development in North America to use FPSO technology in a harsh weather environment featuring sea ice and icebergs.
One of the largest FPSO vessels ever built, the Terra Nova is 292.2 metres long and 45.5 metres wide, approximately the size of three football fields laid end to end. From the keel to the helideck, it stands more than 18 stories high.
The Terra Nova FPSO can store 960,000 barrels of oil and accommodate up to 120 people while producing.
The Terra Nova FPSO was designed for the environment in which it operates. A double-hulled, ice-reinforced vessel, it has five thrusters (two forward and three aft) and a global dynamic positioning system, which is an automated system that allows the vessel to maintain its headings. The same system reduces the impact of waves by allowing the FPSO to change to more favourable headings in high winds and storms.
In May 2019, Suncor and the Terra Nova joint venture owners sanctioned plans to proceed with a project that will extend the life of the FPSO vessel to approximately 2031.
The asset life extension project is expected to allow the facility to capture approximately 80 million additional barrels of oil for the Terra Nova partnership. The asset life extension project was scheduled for 2020.
| Terra Nova owners and their working interests | |
| Suncor Energy | 37.675% (operator) |
| ExxonMobil | 19% |
| Equinor | 15% |
| Husky Energy | 13% |
| Murphy Oil | 10.475% |
| Mosbacher Operating | 3.85% |
| Chevron Canada | 1% |
* https://www.suncor.com/en-ca/about-us/exploration-and-production/east-coast-canada/terra-nova
Potential Industry Losses
Over the next 10 years, the estimated loss to Newfoundland and Labrador* due to deferment and loss of oil & gas exploration and development projects across the industry could be substantial:
- $11 billion in provincial revenues impacting programs, infrastructure, education, and health care throughout communities in Newfoundland and Labrador;
- ~$60 billion of total provincial GDP;
- 90,000 person-years of employment, resulting in significantly lower consumer spending in retail, restaurants, real estate, and other services.
*Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
