BP's Thunder Horse platform returns to trim

The Thunder Horse semisubmersible platform has been restored to normal trim, BP PLC said July 19. The cause of platform's earlier tilt remains undetermined pending more inspections and assessments by BP and the US Coast Guard.

July 19, 2005

2 min read

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, July 19 -- The Thunder Horse semisubmersible platform has been restored to normal trim, BP PLC said July 19. The cause of platform's earlier tilt remains undetermined pending more inspections and assessments by BP and the US Coast Guard.

The drilling, production, and quarters platform, on Mississippi Canyon Block 778 in the Gulf of Mexico, 150 miles southeast of New Orleans, was discovered listing 20-30° after Hurricane Dennis passed through the area (OGJ Online, July 12, 2005). The platform is moored in 6,050 ft of water.

Thunder Horse oil field is in development. The Thunder Horse project was not due to start production until the end of 2005, and the platform is not yet connected to subsea oil wells. BP operates the development with 75% interest, and ExxonMobil Corp. has 25% interest.

BP is focused on keeping the platform storm-safe during hurricane season, a spokesman said, adding that it's too early to determine if the project's timetable might be changed as a result of the imbalance.

"The platform is stable, the trim is normal, freeboard is normal, and displacement is normal," BP said. "Concern for safety and the environment remain top priorities. Operations to date have resulted in one minor injury. There have been no spills."