Yolla mid-life enhancement project moves forward

Offshore staff

QUEENSLAND, Australia -- Origin Energy Resources, operator of the BassGas joint venture, has made a final investment decision on the Yolla mid-life enhancement (MLE) project.

The company will drill two development wells, Yolla-5 and Yolla-6, and install on-platform pumping and compression equipment to extend the production life of the field.

The Yolla-A platform, which currently operates in an unmanned configuration, will be converted to a normally manned platform through the installation of living quarters, safety related systems, and equipment.

On-platform construction and drilling activity is expected to begin in 4Q 2010 using a semisubmersible tender assisted drilling unit. Additional wells and accommodation facilities will be operational by June 2011, while pumping and compression facilities are expected to be in service by mid 2012.

Separately, the company has begun a scheduled maintenance campaign at BassGas. The facility is expected to be offline until late February 2010. Origin will complete maintenance activities at the onshore gas plant and the offshore production platform. Production constraints on the Yolla-3 and Yolla-4 wells will also be addressed.

12/18/2009