Singapore-based Jadestone Energy Inc. has completed work required for the restart of production from Montara oil field in the Timor Sea following an extensive maintenance and inspection shutdown.
The facilities are now undergoing the final stages of pressure testing to ensure asset integrity and a safe resumption of production.
Jadestone said the oil train has been successfully leak-tested and the gas train is now being tested so that both can begin together. This will enable immediate gas-lift and gas reinjection to optimize oil production.
Documentation required to lift the prohibition notice and direction letter issued last year by the Australian offshore regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority, are being evaluated to allow the reintroduction of hydrocarbons to the facility.
Jadestone and Thai company PTTEP are managing Montara under the terms of the operator and transitional services agreement whereby PTTEP, as the duty holder under the current safety case, continued to operate Montara, but all critical leadership positions in the operation are now filled with Jadestone secondees.
Jadestone CEO Paul Blakeley said the shutdown of Montara has been safely concluded and this completes all overdue inspection and maintenance items identified by Jadestone during the initial weeks after closing the acquisition of Montara.
Blakeley added that the successful remedial work program is a key early step towards embedding the Jadestone operating philosophy and safety culture on Montara.
