Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Production Engineer Marvin Montgomery, from the BSEE Houma District, inspects safety components during a pre-production inspection on the Argos, a 60,000-ton semi-submersible floating production unit platform operated by BP, May 11.
BSEE will require BP to make revisions as necessary to ensure that all safety devices are installed correctly and according to the original permit submitted to BSEE.
INGLESIDE, Texas – Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement inspectors and engineers concluded a three-day pre-production inspection on the Argos, BP’s new 60,000-ton platform slated for operation in the Gulf of Mexico.
The pre-production inspection team’s goal is to verify that all safety equipment, components, and production processes aboard the structure have been constructed as planned, meet industry standards, and comply with federal regulations. BSEE’s on-site inspection is one of the steps required to clear the platform for sailing to its planned destination in the Gulf of Mexico, where it will be installed for production.
The inspection was conducted by a team of seven inspectors and engineers divided into two units, each simultaneously inspecting different areas of the facility for three consecutive days.
“During the pre-production inspection, we make certain that all safety devices are installed correctly and according to the facility drawings in the permit that BP originally submitted to BSEE,” said BSEE Houma District Manager Amy Pellegrin. “BP will subsequently be required to make revisions as necessary.”
After the onshore pre-production process is complete, the Argos will move to the Green Canyon area of the Gulf within BP’s established Mad Dog Phase 2 field, about 190 miles south of New Orleans, at a water depth of approximately 4,500 feet. After the Argos is moved to its permanent location, BSEE engineers and inspectors will perform an additional inspection before production can begin.
“These regulatory inspections help ensure that the Argos meets all environmental compliance and applicable safety rules, regulations and practices,” said Pellegrin.
According to BP, the Argos platform is expected to begin production in late 2021 or early 2022 and produce up to 140,000 barrels of oil per day.
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