Independent Oil and Gas plc (IOG) today announced the mechanical completion of the Blythe and Southwark platforms, with installation due by the end of June 2021.
CONSTRUCTION
The gas company added that, following the arrival of the Noble Hans Deul rig at Elgood, it had also full drawn its bond escrow account into unrestricted cash.
The two normally unmanned installation (NUI) platforms were constructed earlier this month by contractor HSM Offshore (HSM) at their yard in Schiedam, Netherlands.
SCHEDULE
IOG said that onshore commissioning and system testing activities were already underway and were expected to be completed during May.
“The transportation barges are now at the HSM quayside in preparation for load-out.
“Once yard departure checks are completed, the platforms will be ready for sail-away.
“Installation of both platforms is scheduled to be completed before the end of Q2, in preparation for first gas in late Q3.”
MINIMISE COSTS
IOG chief executive Andrew Hockey added that completion of the Blythe and Southwark platforms was another key step forward for IOG in executing Phase 1 and laying the foundations for further growth.
“The focus now turns to completing onshore commissioning work, load-out, transport and installation, all of which fall under the same HSM contract.
“As small, remotely-operated installations, the Blythe and Southwark platforms will help us to minimise ongoing costs and carbon intensity – key elements of our operating philosophy as we look to scale up an environmentally low-impact UK gas development and production business.”