Esso has submitted a proposal to NOPSEMA to make significant modification of a petroleum pipeline at the West Barracouta field in Victoria, Australia.

Esso recently drilled and completed two subsea gas production wells in the West Barracouta field in Production Licence VIC/L1 approximately 15km off the Gippsland coastline, in a water depth of 45m. At the completion of drilling the wells were suspended.

The proposed installation campaign includes:
• Installation of two subsea trees on the West Barracouta wells.
• Laying a 6km long 12” flexible pipeline between the wells and the existing BTA450 pipeline to shore (Pipeline Licence VIC/PL1).
• Tie-in to the existing / operating BTA450 pipeline via a Hot Tap.
• Laying and trenching a control umbilical from the wells to the Barracouta platform located in Production Licence VIC/PL2.
• Installation of associated subsea equipment including the Pipeline End Manifold and pipeline skid, Umbilical Termination Assembly and jumpers and flying leads.
• Pre commissioning.

The installation activities are proposed to be undertaken by a Dive Support Vessel utilising divers and remotely operated vehicles. The Dive Support Vessel will be operating in the Barracouta platform Petroleum Safety Zone when performing the hot tap operations and installing the umbilical to the platform.

Activities around the West Barracouta wells are located 6km from the platform and diving operations will be supported by a Hyperbaric Rescue Vessel.

The activities will be undertaken in multiple stages and it is expected that the Dive Support Vessel will travel between the onshore supply base and West Barracouta between each stage.

The earliest date of commencement of the installation campaign is the first quarter of 2021. Activities will be conducted 24 hours per day, seven days per week. It is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete the installation activity.

The proposal is currently under assessment with NOPSEMA.