Byron installs SM 71 platform offshore Louisiana

Byron Energy has installed the the SM 71 Platform in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, offshore Louisiana.

This has been reported by Otto Energy, Byron’s partner in the South Marsh Island 71 (SM 71) oil and gas development.

Otto Energy on Wednesday confirmed that installation of the jacket and decks comprising the SM 71 F Platform was completed.

To remind, in anticipation of being towed to location at SM71, the 350-US ton jacket and 600-US ton platform decks were moved on to the barges utilizing transporter trailers by Berard Transportation of New Iberia, Louisiana, in early November.

“The Tetra Hedron derrick barge has de-mobilized off location after successfully placing the jacket and decks over the SM 71 F1 well (drilled in 2016) and securing the structure with pilings,” Otto Energy said.

Byron Energy in September hired the Ensco 68 jack-up rig to carry out the South Marsh Island Block 71  drilling and completion program.

Otto also said on Wednesday, assuming current weather forecasts hold, the Ensco 68 drilling rig is scheduled to arrive at SM 71 on Saturday, November 25.

Once on location, crews will prepare for drilling operations on the SM 71 F2 well. The SM 72 F2 well has two targets: the B65 Sand and the D5 Sand. The B65 Sand has the potential to double the current field size of SM 71.

Otto’s Managing Director, Matthew Allen, commented: “Completing the installation of the platform is a major achievement and we congratulate Byron and their contractors on achieving this in a safe and efficient manner. “We now look forward to drilling in the coming weeks and in particular testing the B65 sand ahead of production in early 2018.”

Byron completed the installation of oil and gas export pipelines for the SM 71 development  in late October.

First production from the SM 71 F platform is currently expected by late January 2018 after completion operations on the SM 71 F1 and F2 wells.