Offshore staff
VICTORIA, Australia -- Participants in the Kipper gas field development in the Gippsland basing have approved the first phase of the project.
The first phase includes two subsea wells, three pipelines, and platform modifications. Gas and liquids will be processed via Esso and BHP Billiton's Gippsland joint venture facilities.
The Kipper field is approximately 45 km (28 mi) from shore in about 100 m (328 ft) of water, and has a confirmed resource of approximately 620 bcf/d of recoverable gas and 30 MMbbl of condensate/LPG. The estimated field life is 15 years and first production is expected in 2011. Costs for this phase of the development are $1.1 billion; BHP Billiton's share is 45%.
The Kipper unit joint venture (KUJV) production will be the first gas to use the Esso-BHP Billiton Gippsland Basin joint venture facility with third-party ownership.
The KUJV participants are Esso Australia (32.5% and operator); BHP Billiton (32.5%); and Santos (35%). The Gippsland joint venture participants are Esso Australia (50% and operator); and BHP Billiton (50%).
12/20/2007
