Source: Environmental Protection Authority
BWO wishes to remove its Floating Production and Storage Offloading ship (FPSO) from the oil wells that have been operated by TTL off the coast of Taranaki.
Before removing the FPSO, BWO needs to disconnect it from TTL’s equipment on the seafloor.
Some of the mining equipment, attached to the FPSO, belongs to TTL, and some belongs to the owner of the vessel, BWO.
This equipment includes flowlines for oil extraction, pipelines to inject gas down the wells so that it flows, and umbilical pipelines that provide chemicals and power to the wellheads. Other equipment is attached to the seafloor to protect these pipelines and operate the wells.
Six abatement notices issued on 17 March 2020
On 17 March 2020 the EPA served six abatement notices in total on BWO, a BWO staff member and TTL.
The abatement notices
- prohibit BWO and TTL from disconnecting equipment from the FPSO and laying it on the seafloor; and
- prohibit BWO and TTL from making any alterations to the equipment related to the installation.
The abatement notices are issued under the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 (EEZ Act).
The notices were served after BWO advised the EPA that it intended to begin work to disconnect its FPSO and remove it.
TTL and BW Offshore have the right to appeal the abatement notices. The abatement notices served on BWO are now subject to appeal.
EPA is continuing to work on two rulings requested by BWO
The Environmental Protection Authority is currently processing two rulings requested by BWO to authorise the removal of the anchors and mooring lines, and to disconnect the FPSO from equipment connected to the sea floor.
No decisions have yet been made.
Read the abatement notice − AN003 (PDF, 249kb)
Read the abatement notice − AN004 (PDF, 325kb)
Read the abatement notice − AN005 (PDF, 325kb)
Read the abatement notice − AN006 (PDF, 250kb)
Read the abatement notice − AN007 (PDF, 330kb)
Read the abatement notice − AN008 (PDF, 254kb)
Read background information on TTL and BWO
