By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, July 13 -- Crews boarded the listing Thunder Horse semisubmersible drilling and production platform in the Gulf of Mexico July 12, restored partial power, and began pumping operations to restore the platform to normal, said BP PLC.
The platform, on Mississippi Canyon Block 778 in 6,050 ft of water, 150 miles southeast of New Orleans, was discovered listing after Hurricane Dennis passed through the area (OGJ Online, July 11, 2005).
Thunder Horse oil field is in development and has not yet begun production. A vessel in the area discovered the platform listing 20-30° at 8:30 a.m. July 11.
Boarding crews retrieved the platform's data recorders, expected to help determine the cause of the platform's tilt. Workers boarded the platform after safety evaluations by BP and the US Coast Guard.
An underwater inspection by remotely operated vehicles showed no evidence of damage to the hull, BP said. BP hired four contract response vessels, and the Coast Guard provided the Cutter Pelican and a Dauphin helicopter.
The Thunder Horse platform was evacuated on July 8 in anticipation of the hurricane. There has been no known release of any fuel or hazardous substances, BP said.
BP holds a 75% interest and operates the development. Its partner, ExxonMobil Corp., holds 25%. BP expects first oil in the second half of 2005.