Offshore staff
HOUSTON -- BP and partner BHP Billiton have completed commissioning the Atlantis semisubmersible production platform and associated pipelines and export facilities.
Gas sales have started, oil volumes are increasing, and additional wells will continue to be brought on stream with peak production expected by end-2008, according to BP.
Atlantis, in 7,070 ft (2,150 m) of water, is the world's deepest moored floating production facility and has capacity to process 200,000 b/d of oil and 180 MMcf/d of gas. Oil and gas are exported to market via the Caesar oil and Cleopatra gas pipeline systems, part of the Mardi Gras Transportation System.
"The water depths and reservoir structure make Atlantis among the most technologically challenging developments undertaken by BP," says Andy Inglis, BP's chief executive of E&P. "Start-up is an important milestone as we grow production from our strong upstream portfolio in the deepwater GoM and elsewhere in the world."
"The Atlantis South field is a significant hydrocarbon resource," says Michael Yeager, chief executive of BHP Billiton Petroleum. "Although we have considerable drilling remaining, we are pleased to begin oil and gas production from this world-class field. BHP Billiton's production from the GoM is set for a dramatic increase in the years ahead, and Atlantis is a key part of that growth."
BP operates Atlantis with a 56% interest. BHP Billiton holds the remaining 44%.
12/19/2007
