HOUSTON -- The SBM Atlantia-designed Neptune TLP has been installed on the BHP Billiton-operated Neptune field in the Gulf of Mexico.

The 5,900-ton (5,352-metric ton) hull, fabricated at Signal International's shipyard in Orange, Texas, was installed on June 5 in Green Canyon block 613 in 4,200 ft (1,280 m) of water. The topsides processing facility, built at the Gulf Island Fabrication shipyard in Houma, Louisiana, was integrated with the hull on June 22. Heerema'sThialf lifted the 5,500-ton (4,990-metric ton) topside module.

Final hookup and commissioning is under way. First production from an initial seven subsea wells is expected by year-end.

BHP Billiton operates the Neptune field with partners Marathon Oil Corp. (30%), Woodside Energy (USA) Inc. (20%), and Maxus (US) Exploration (15%).

7/16/2007