A combine led by Freeport-McMoRan Resource Partners LP has let a $250 million contract to McDermott Marine Construction to design, build, and install a big platform complex in the Gulf of Mexico.
The complex--15 platforms, 13 bridges, a power plant module, and related facilities--will develop a Frasch sulfur deposit said by Freeport-McMoRan to be the largest in North America. Reserves amount to 67 million long tons (OGJ, Apr. 3, 1989, p. 29).
McDermott believes the development will be the biggest complex in the gulf in terms of surface area.
Site will be in 220 ft of water in Main Pass Block 299 off Louisiana, where total cost of development will be about $554 million. About $288 million of that will be incurred this year.
Fabrication will take place in McDermott's Bayou Boeuf and New Iberia, La., and Gulfport, Miss., yards.
Installation in two phases will begin late this year, with the second phase scheduled late in 1991 and start of production in 1992.
Freeport-McMoRan said it will become the biggest U.S. Frasch sulfur producer when the project reaches full production in 1993.
The company holds a 58.3% interest in Block 299, along with partners IMC Fertilizer Inc. 25%, and Felmont Oil Corp. 16.7%.
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