Construction of Longtom gas project delayed

Offshore staff

VICTORIA, Australia -- Offshore construction work for the Longtom gas project (VIC/L29) in the Gippsland basin, offshore Victoria, has been interrupted. The delays are the result of the demobilization of a diving support vessel due to a contractual dispute in relation to its ongoing charter.

Nexus is in the process of securing an alternative diving support and installation vessel, and the offshore installation work is anticipated to re-start in three weeks. The subsea gas pipeline to connect Longtom production wells to Santos’ Patricia Baleen offshore pipeline and the Longtom control umbilical have been laid on the seabed. The remaining offshore works involve predominantly diving operations to hook-up the installed equipment.

07/06/2009