Assessment of Artificial Lift System Performance in High-Water-Cut Wells of the Forcados Yokri Integrated Project, Delta State

High water cuts are characteristic of mature wells in the Niger Delta, and artificial lift system optimisation in this context is essential for maintaining economic production rates as reservoir energy declines. This study assesses the performance of electrical submersible pump, gas lift, and progressive cavity pump artificial lift systems in high-water-cut wells of the Forcados Yokri Integrated Project in Delta State, South South Nigeria. Operational data spanning 2019 to 2023, including pump intake pressure, motor current trends, production rate histories, and downtime records, were compiled and analysed for 24 artificially lifted wells. Nodal analysis was applied using Prosper software to evaluate operating efficiency at current water cut conditions and to identify candidate wells for system redesign. Results indicate that electrical submersible pumps operating at water cuts above 85 percent experience accelerated motor failure rates primarily linked to inadequate cooling under reduced liquid viscosity conditions, while gas lift systems maintain stable performance at equivalent water cut levels at the cost of higher gas volumes. Progressive cavity pumps demonstrate superior volumetric efficiency in deviated wells with sand-laden produced fluids. An optimisation roadmap is presented, recommending ESP right-sizing based on projected water cut trajectories and gas lift injection rate optimisation through valve spacing redesign. Keywords: artificial lift, water cut, electrical submersible pump, gas lift, Delta State.