Production at the field, located 50km southwest of Barrow Island and 42km northeast of the Griffin oil field, was delayed several times earlier this month due to cyclone Inigo, delays with one of the tugs and even damage to the mooring equipment.
However, the FPSO 'Four Vanguard' has now been successfully moored and the first well, Woollybutt-2AST3, was opened late on Tuesday and oil has already been successfully processed.
The second production well in the field, Woollybutt-1ST1, is planned to open in the next few days.
Current rates are constrained while the equipment and well performance are monitored but the partners revealed that production will be increased to around 35,000 barrels of oil per day over the next week. Tap Oil has estimated proven and probable recoverable reserves to be 25 million barrels.
Joint Venture participants include Tap Oil Ltd (15%), AGIP Australia Ltd (operator - 65%) and Mobil Australia Resources (20%).
