During a routine inspection immediately prior to start up of the Neptune
tension leg platform (TLP) in the Gulf of Mexico, BHP Billiton found
structural anomalies in the hull. As a safety precaution, the Company
made the decision to remove all personnel from the facility until the
situation could be fully assessed.
BHP Billiton has since performed a rigorous analysis that confirms the
facility is safe for crews to return to work and crews began boarding
the platform today. Further inspection and assessment is underway to
determine the appropriate course of action to mitigate the anomaly.
The Neptune TLP, which is located approximately 120 miles off the
Louisiana coastline, was scheduled to start up first oil and natural gas
production by the end of March and the Company is currently assessing
all the options in order to re-commence start up activities. The
schedule for first production will be updated.
BHP Billiton is designated operator of the field with a 35% interest.
Partners include Marathon Oil Company (30%), Woodside Energy (USA) Inc.
(20%), a subsidiary of Woodside Petroleum Ltd., and Maxus (U.S.)
Exploration Company (15%).
Neptune is a single-column TLP and was installed in 4,250 feet (1,300
meters) of water on Green Canyon Block 613. The Neptune field comprises
five blocks: Atwater Valley 573, 574, 575, 617 and 618 where water
depths range from 4,200 to 6,500 feet (1,275 to 2,000 meters).
About BHP Billiton
BHP Billiton is the world’s largest
diversified resources company, with a portfolio of high-quality,
long-life assets and a significant pipeline of growth projects. The
Company employs approximately 39,000 people at more than 100 locations
in 25 countries across the world. BHP Billiton Petroleum is a
substantial oil and gas exploration and production business. Its
principal activities are oil and natural gas exploration, development,
production and marketing.
For more information about BHP Billiton Petroleum and a list of our
career opportunities go to: http://petroleum.bhpbilliton.com.
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: www.bhpbilliton.com
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