Application for Variation of a Pipeline Licence - VIC/PL1

Administered by Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Legislation au C2018G00789 In force Gazette

Legislation content

 

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA

 

Sections 226 and 708

Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006

 

APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF A PIPELINE LICENCE

 

I, STEVEN ROBERT TAYLOR, Delegate of the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator, on behalf of the Commonwealth–Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority hereby give notice pursuant to sections 226 and 708 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 that an application has been received from

 

Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd

(ABN 62 091 829 819)

 

BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty. Ltd.

(ABN 29 004 228 004)

 

 for the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL1 in the offshore area of Victoria, as set out below.

 

Pursuant to subsection 226(3) of the Act, a person may make a written submission to the Titles Administrator about this application within 30 days from the date of this notice.

 

This notice takes effect on the day on which it appears in the Australian Government Gazette.

 

Made under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006

of the Commonwealth of Australia.

 

STEVEN ROBERT TAYLOR

DELEGATE OF THE TITLES ADMINISTRATOR

ON BEHALF OF THE COMMONWEALTHVICTORIA

OFFSHORE PETROLEUM JOINT AUTHORITY

 

 


APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF

PIPELINE LICENCE VIC/PL1

 

The application seeks to effect the following amendments to the licence associated with the development of the West Barracouta Field, which will be tied into the existing Barracouta to Shore gas pipeline via a new 5.6 km section of 12” flexible pipeline as part of a system of pipes. The following information has been provided by the applicant and will be subject to assessment.

Route of the Pipeline

 

  1. Update the current Barracouta to Shore Steel Pipeline route description such that the pipeline commences at the Barracouta Last Valve Off (see Barracouta to Shore Pipeline Coordinates below).

 

2.        Insert the route description for the West Barracouta Flexible Pipeline (see West Barracouta Flexible Pipeline Coordinates below).
 

3.        Add a route map of the West Barracouta Flexible Pipeline (see Appendix A).

 

West Barracouta Flexible Pipeline Specifications

 

4.        Insert the pipeline design details and parameters for the West Barracouta Flexible Pipeline.

 

Barracouta to Shore Steel Pipeline Coordinates

 

The route of the pipeline is described in the table below and displayed in the map below commencing at the Barracouta Last Valve Off, located below the pig launcher on the platform and proceeding in a straight line, with some minor deflections towards a point which intersects the boundary of Commonwealth offshore waters at the 3 nautical mile limit at or about Easting 543223 m and Northing 5770767 m. Coordinates are based on Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94).

 

ID

DESCRIPTION

EASTING

NORTHING

0

Last Valve Off at Barracouta Platform

558974

5760899

1

Barracouta Platform

558974

5760899

2

Deflection point

559097

5761057

C1

Crossing at VIC/SL7 (TWA65)

559102

5761058

C2

Crossing at VIC/PL23 (TWA200)

559094

5761058

3

Deflection point

559070

5761068

4

Deflection point

558832

5761132

5

Deflection point

555961

5762952

6

Deflection point

553792

5764203

7

Deflection point

547797

5767982

8

Deflection point

544640

5769898

9

Deflection point

544275

5770058

10

3 Nautical Mile Point

543223

5770767

Coordinates set above is based on GDA94 / MGA Zone 55, survey of pipeline centreline.

 

 

West Barracouta Flexible Pipeline Coordinates

 

The flexible pipeline route is described in the table below and displayed on the attached map, and lies within a 20 m corridor centred on the pipeline route, subject to installation tolerances, commencing at the West Barracouta Flowline End Manifold and terminating at the Barracouta Pipeline Hot-Tap location on the steel pipeline, located within the 500 m petroleum safety zone of the Barracouta platform. Coordinates are based on Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94).

 

ID

Description

EASTING

NORTHING

0

Flowline End Manifold

553,822.30

5,758,786.90

1

Deflection point

554,008.41

5,758,974.96

2

Deflection point

558,671.08

5,761,257.54

3

Deflection point

558,746.01

5,761,211.15

4

Hot tap location

558,751.27

5,761,219.65

 

West Barracouta Flexible Pipeline Specifications

 

Item

Item Description

Details

1

Outside diameter of pipe

400 mm (approximate)

3

Length

5.6 km (approximate)

4

Design life

15 years (approximate)

5

Pipeline Material and Grade

DN300 flexible pipeline will comply with API 17B Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe and API 17J Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe

8

Protective Coating

DN300 flexible pipeline will be protected by an external polyethylene sheath and constructed with corrosion resistant alloys

9

Internal design pressure

18.96 MPaa (2,750 psia)

10

Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure

12.514 MPaa (1,815 psia)

12

Design Capacity

3.7 Mm3/d (130 MMscf/d)

13

Maximum Operating Temperature

70°C

14

Maximum Design Temperature

80°C

15

Minimum Design Temperature

-18°C

16

Characteristics of substance proposed to be conveyed

Wet gas and condensate hydrocarbon liquids

17

General plans and descriptions of pump stations, tank stations or valve stations and their equipment

Flowline end manifold

18

General plans and description of pigging facilities

None provided

19

Valves and Fittings

All valves and fittings will be in accordance with the appropriate American Petroleum Institute Specification or American National Standards Institute Specification, with Class 1500 rating for fittings.

20

Connection to Pipeline

The FLEM and Skid that connect to the flexible pipeline are designed in accordance with ASME B31.8.

21

Cathodic Protection

Anode bracelets will be provided at each end of the flexible pipeline sections.

22

Crossings

No crossings

 

Appendix A – West Barracouta Flexible Pipeline Route Map

 

Overview

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to regulate the exploration, production, and storage of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas in Australian waters. This legislation was introduced to address the need for a comprehensive legal framework governing the offshore petroleum industry, ensuring environmental protection, safety, and efficient management of resources. The policy objective of the Act is to facilitate the development of Australia's offshore petroleum resources while balancing economic interests with environmental stewardship and community concerns. The Act provides a structured approach for licensing, environmental management, and safety standards to mitigate potential risks associated with offshore operations. This notice, issued under sections 226 and 708 of the Act, informs the public of an application by Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd for the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL1. The application pertains to the development of the West Barracouta Field, which involves the installation of a new 5.6 km section of 12” flexible pipeline connecting to the existing Barracouta to Shore gas pipeline. Interested parties have 30 days from the date of this notice to submit written submissions to the Titles Administrator regarding the application. This notice becomes effective upon its publication in the Australian Government Gazette.

Scope and Application

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to the proposed variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL1, which pertains specifically to the offshore area of Victoria. The application has been lodged by Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty. Ltd., both of which are required to comply with the provisions of the Act in their application and operation of the pipeline. The application seeks to amend the existing pipeline route and specifications, particularly by introducing a new 5.6 km section of 12” flexible pipeline to connect the West Barracouta Field to the existing Barracouta to Shore gas pipeline. This involves updating the pipeline's route description, inserting details of the new pipeline's specifications, and providing a route map of the new pipeline. The geographic scope of this application is confined to the offshore waters of Victoria, subject to the assessment and approval of the Titles Administrator under the Act. The notice allows for public submissions regarding the application within a specified period, thereby ensuring transparency and stakeholder engagement in the regulatory process.

Key Provisions

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (sections 226 and 708) outlines the procedures for the variation of a pipeline licence, particularly focusing on the application process and the required submissions. Section 226 allows for the variation of a pipeline licence, while section 708 facilitates the application process and public notification. The application from Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd seeks to amend Pipeline Licence VIC/PL1, specifically relating to the development of the West Barracouta Field and its integration into the existing Barracouta to Shore gas pipeline. The proposed changes include updating the route description of the pipeline, incorporating a new 5.6 km section of 12” flexible pipeline, and providing detailed specifications for the West Barracouta Flexible Pipeline. The Act imposes several obligations on the applicants, including the provision of detailed pipeline route descriptions, specifications, and design parameters. The applicants must ensure that the pipeline design complies with industry standards, such as API 17B and API 17J, and that all materials and components adhere to the appropriate American Petroleum Institute or American National Standards Institute specifications. Additionally, the applicants must submit a comprehensive route map of the West Barracouta Flexible Pipeline and ensure that the pipeline is installed within a designated corridor. They are also required to provide general plans and descriptions of the flowline end manifold and pigging facilities, although no pigging facilities are proposed. The applicants must also detail the characteristics of the substances to be conveyed and ensure that all valves and fittings comply with relevant standards. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 may result in various civil and criminal consequences. Under section 12 of the Act, breaches of the Act may lead to the imposition of administrative penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The maximum penalties can vary depending on the severity of the offence. For example, section 225 of the Act imposes a penalty of up to $330,000 or imprisonment for up to five years for serious breaches, such as causing harm to the environment or endangering public safety. Additionally, the Act allows for the imposition of administrative penalties for non-compliance with licence conditions or failure to provide required information, which may include fines and corrective actions. Compliance with the Act is critical to avoid these penalties and ensure the safe and effective operation of offshore petroleum activities.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.