Esso Australia has entered an agreement with Helix Energy Solutions to charter the Q7000 semisubmersible vessel.
• The company’s growing fleet of mobile offshore assets now includes Rig 22, the HWT600, and the DOF Subsea Multi-Purpose Support Vessel and soon the Helix Q7000.
• The light well intervention vessel will support decommissioning activities in Bass Strait from the end of 2023.
Esso Australia Pty Ltd (Esso Australia, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Australia Pty Ltd and operator of the Gippsland Basin Joint Venture) announced on Jan 20 that it has signed an agreement to charter the Helix Q7000 semisubmersible vessel to support decommissioning activities in the Gippsland Basin from the end of the year.
ExxonMobil Australia Chair, Dylan Pugh, was excited to announce this milestone in Esso Australia’s decommissioning progress.
“The Helix Q7000 is a welcome addition to our extensive fleet of vessels and rigs currently operating across the Gippsland Basin,” said Pugh.
“It is the fourth mobile offshore asset we have added to our decommissioning fleet, and marks the first time we will be using a light well intervention vessel for subsea work locally,” he continued.
Rig 22 is currently executing a plug and abandonment campaign at Flounder, whilst the HWT600 rig is finalising plug and abandonment activities at Fortescue before it moves onto its next campaign at Bream. The Multi-Purpose Support Vessel has completed a marine life survey utilising its remote operated vehicle equipment, which will be followed by decommissioning activities at Perch and Dolphin monotowers this year.
“We are committed to sourcing the right assets for the work we are completing, given the variety of fields we have operated for over 50 years. Our priority is to remain safe, whilst using fit for purpose solutions which ensure we are meeting our decommissioning requirements,” Pugh concluded.