Benthic to carry out seabed survey at Browse FLNG site

Benthic, a global geosciences company, has been awarded a contract by Woodside Energy Ltd to undertake an offshore geotechnical site investigation for the proposed Browse Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Development off the North West coast of Western Australia.

The survey will assist with further understanding details of the seabed features of the Browse gas fields.

Operating from the vessel Nor Captain, Benthic’s PROD (Portable Remotely Operated Drill) will complete in-situ testing and sampling, with penetration depths up to 100 meters below the mudline, in water depths of 700 meters. PROD has successfully executed 3 previous projects in adjacent sectors of the Browse Fields providing Woodside with real time experience and knowledge of the fields’ seabed conditions.

“Benthic is delighted to be working again with Woodside on the proposed Browse FLNG Development for this prestigious project,” stated Steve Pywell, CEO.

The 2 month geotechnical investigation is expected to commence mid-June.

Related: Woodside Gives Nod for Browse FLNG

In September 2013, the Browse Joint Venturers, consisting of Woodside as operator, Shell Development (Australia) Pty Ltd, BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd, Japan Australia LNG (MIMI Browse) Pty Ltd and PetroChina International Investment (Australia) Pty Ltd, selected FLNG as the preferred development concept for the Browse resources, marking the start of the Basis of Design (BOD) phase.

This concept would involve using Shell’s FLNG technology and Woodside’s offshore development expertise for the Browse LNG Development. The Browse Joint Venturers are seeking to enter Front End Engineering Design (FEED) for the development in 2H 2014. FEED is the last stage before a Final Investment Decision (FID), which Woodside is targeting for 2H 2015.