BHP gets back in Gulf saddle
Australian producer BHP Billiton Petroleum has resumed output from the Neptune and Shenzi-Genghis Khan fields in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Ike.
Production is ramping up as the export pipelines are able to take the increasing volumes.
Natural gas from Neptune and Shenzi-Genghis Khan will be brought on stream as pipelines and infrastructure along the Gulf Coast permit.
BHP also assessed the newly-installed Shenzi tension leg platform and found no damage that would prevent construction work getting under way.
Shenzi is scheduled to pump first oil by the middle of next year with a nameplate capacity of 100,000 barrels of oil per day and 50 million cubic feet of gas per day.
BHP added the Transocean CR Luigs drillship and the semi-submersible rig Development Driller I are back on location and have re-started work.
BHP operates Neptune with a 35% stake. Partners include Marathon Oil (30%), Woodside Energy (20%), and Maxus Exploration (15%).
The Australian player also operates Shenzi with a 44% interest. Partners include Hess Corporation and Repsol YPF, each holding a 28% stake.