By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 6 -- The Mars tension-leg platform (TLP), heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina in late August 2005, currently is producing 190,000 boe/d (gross), Shell Exploration & Production Co. reported.
That is a 20% increase over pre-Katrina rates. The Mars TLP resumed production ahead of schedule and was producing slightly above its pre-Katrina rates in July.
Estimates placed the Mars platform in Katrina's eye for 4 hr, absorbing 80-ft waves and wind gusts exceeding 200 mph. The Mars TLP floating structure and wells survived the extreme conditions, but the platform's drilling rig and topsides production equipment were heavily damaged (OGJ June 5, 2006, Newsletter).
It took 3 months of preparation and planning to lift and remove the damaged Mars platform rig in two pieces from its toppled position on the platform deck. Oil and gas pipelines in 3,000 ft of water also were repaired.
Shell has a 71.5% interest and operates the TLP. BP PLC has the remaining 28.5%.
