Offshore staff
INGLESIDE, Texas – Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) inspectors and engineers have concluded a three-day pre-production inspection on the Argos, bp’s new 60,000-ton platform slated for operation in the Gulf of Mexico.
The pre-production inspection team’s goal is to verify that all safety equipment, components, and production processes aboard the structure have been constructed as planned, meet industry standards, and comply with federal regulations. BSEE’s on-site inspection is one of the steps required to clear the platform for sailing to its planned destination in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
The inspection was conducted by a team of seven inspectors and engineers divided into two units, each simultaneously inspecting different areas of the facility for three consecutive days.
BSEE Houma District Manager Amy Pellegrin said: “During the pre-production inspection, we make certain that all safety devices are installed correctly and according to the facility drawings in the permit that bp originally submitted to BSEE. bp will subsequently be required to make revisions as necessary.”
After the onshore pre-production process is complete, the Argos will sail to the Green Canyon area of the Gulf, about 190 mi (306 km) south of New Orleans. Water depth is about 4,500 ft (1,372 m). After the Argos is moved to its permanent location, BSEE engineers and inspectors will perform an additional inspection before production can begin.
“These regulatory inspections help ensure that the Argos meets all environmental compliance and applicable safety rules, regulations and practices,” Pellegrin added.
The Argos is part of bp’s Mad Dog 2 project, which is expected to begin production next year.
05/18/2021
