Caithness set for wellhead jobs boost
EAST Caithness is in line for a mini-jobs boost as a shale gas company gears up for a new phase of operation at the onshore wellhead at Swiney.
London-based IGas is seeking the planning go-ahead to install compressed natural gas equipment and a new process plant to work the established Lybster field.
The site will predominantly produce gas, with up to 35,000 cubic metres pumped ashore. It expects to require two tankers carrying out four movements a day when it gors into production early next year.
The oil recovered will be stored in static tanks, with three tankerloads a week being hauled to a refinery.
Were the venture to get the all-clear, the current site staff of three would be joined by three full-time employees and three tanker drivers, plus two head office support staff.
The development would involve a number of contractors, with IGas looking to find them in Caithness where possible
IGas bought over Caithness Oil and has a licence to explore 160 square kilometres of the east Caithness and Sutherland coast.