The Australian Government has moved quickly to ensure the safety and integrity of the Northern Endeavour, signing a new agreement with Upstream Production Solutions (UPS), to operate and maintain the vessel.
UPS is a respected and reliable operator in the offshore sector. It will operate the vessel in lighthouse mode, the minimum required for safe operations, with no production and a small crew until a longer-term solution is determined.
Safe and secure
Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said the Northern Endeavour was in reliable hands.
“UPS has safely re-boarded the Northern Endeavour and reports that the facility is safe and secure,” Minister Pitt said.
“It was essential that we re-crewed the Northern Endeavour quickly, to maintain the safety of the vessel and the surrounding Timor Sea environment, and that has been done.
“Lighthouse mode operations will support the vessel and the associated subsea infrastructure and critical maintenance will be undertaken as required. No petroleum production can occur in lighthouse mode.
“The Australian Government will now start consultations with industry experts to consider a longer-term resolution to the situation,” Minister Pitt said.
“The liquidation of the Northern Oil and Gas Australia (NOGA) group of companies highlights the importance to the nation of our oil and gas industries which are a valuable source of exports and vital for our energy security. We must maintain our strong reputation for environmental protections and safe operations.”
The Northern Endeavour floating production storage and offtake (FPSO) vessel is permanently moored between the Laminaria and Corallina oil fields in the Timor Sea.
