J. Ray McDermott, a unit of McDermott International Inc., has completed installation of oil and gas pipelines for Shell Exploration & Production Co.'s Brutus project in deepwater Gulf of Mexico. JRM also said it has nearly completed the topsides for Brutus's tension leg platform.
Brutus is on Green Canyon 158 and 202 in 3,000 ft of water 165 miles southwest of New Orleans, La. The development is expected to cost $900 million.
JRM installed a 20-in., 24-mile pipeline from South Timbalier 301 to Green Canyon 158. Additionally, a 20-in. diameter natural gas pipeline will be laid about 23 miles from Ship Shoal Block 332 to Green Canyon Block 158 (OGJ Online, June 9, 2000).
JRM also installed steel catenary risers that will be raised and suspended from the Brutus TLP in spring of 2001.
Installation of the eight-slot TLP, which will serve as a hub for future subsea projects in the area, is slated for mid-2001. Production is expected to start in late 2001, reaching a peak capacity of about 100,000 b/d of oil and 150 MMcfd of gas (OGJ, Apr. 19, 1999, p. 40).
JRM is building the platform topsides at its facilities near Morgan City, La. The company expects to deliver the topsides early next year.