COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
Sections 226, 264 and 708
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006
VARIATION OF PIPELINE LICENCE VIC/PL29
(BLACKBACK TO MACKEREL) (5DV7JM)
I, NICOLE LYNETTE FILBAY, the Delegate of the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator, on behalf of the Commonwealth-Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority hereby vary Pipeline Licence VIC/PL29, 11 December 1998 (the Licence), for which:
Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd
(ACN 091 829 819)
Woodside Energy (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd
(ACN 004 228 004)
are the registered titleholders, as set out below.
The variation takes effect on the day on which this notice of variation is published in the Australian Government Gazette.
Made under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006
of the Commonwealth of Australia
NICOLE LYNETTE FILBAY
DELEGATE OF THE TITLES ADMINISTRATOR
ON BEHALF OF THE COMMONWEALTH-VICTORIA
OFFSHORE PETROLEUM JOINT AUTHORITY
FIRST SCHEDULE
ROUTE OF PIPELINE
The route of the pipeline is described in the table below, and displayed in the map below (Attachment A), commencing at tie-in spool at the Blackback Subsea Facility and terminating at the cut spool location at the Mackerel platform.
ID | DESCRIPTION | Easting (m) | Northing (m) |
1 | Blackback Subsea Tie-in spool | 635485.00 | 5733081.00 |
2 | Inflection Point 01 | 635500.14 | 5733067.29 |
3 | Inflection Point 02 | 635447.18 | 5733075.04 |
4 | Inflection Point 03 | 635481.00 | 5733046.00 |
5 | Inflection Point 04 | 625025.28 | 5730540.03 |
6 | Inflection Point 05 | 622296.47 | 5734420.09 |
7 | Inflection Point 06 | 620792.03 | 5735110.66 |
8 | Inflection Point 07 | 617196.88 | 5740187.72 |
9 | Inflection Point 08 | 617157.83 | 5740175.00 |
10 | Cut spool location Mackerel platform | 617126.00 | 5740174.00 |
Coordinate set above is based on GDA 94/MGA Zone 55, survey of pipeline centreline.
SECOND SCHEDULE
SPECIFICATION
- Design
The pipeline design is based on the following parameters –
- one 200 mm nominal diameter pipeline for the conveyance of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons and produced water;
- a flow rate of 2865 sm3/d (0.018 MMbbl/d) of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons and water;
- an maximum internal design pressure of 24,400 kPag;
- a design temperature of 77⁰C;
- a 219.1 mm O.D. x 12.7 mm wall thickness pipeline, which will be housed within a carrier pipe with an external diameter of 298.5 mm and a wall thickness of 14.3 mm;
- a pipeline length of approximately 23.0 km.
Materials of Construction
- Steel Pipe
The line pipe shall be in accordance with the requirements of the American Petroleum Institute Specification – API Spec 5L, 41st Edition for Grade X56 seamless pipe and Esso Australia Limited supplemental pipe specification accompanying the pipeline licence application and shall have the dimensions 219.1 mm O.D. and 12.7 mm W.T.
Carrier Pipe
The carrier pipe shall be in accordance with the requirements of the American Petroleum Institution Specification – API Spec 5L, 41st Edition for grade X65 seamless pipe and Esso Australia Limited’s supplemental pipe specification accompanying the pipeline licence application and shall have the dimensions 298.5 mm external diameter and 14.3 mm W.T.
- Protective Coating
The carrier pipe shall be protected by a trilaminate coating with an outer layer of extruded high density polyethylene coating in accordance with the Esso Australia Limited Protective Coatings Specifications accompanying the pipeline licence application.
The annulus space between the line pipe and the carrier pipe will be filled with mineral wool.
Attachment A
Overview
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 was enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament to address the need for a comprehensive legal framework governing offshore petroleum activities and greenhouse gas storage in Australian waters. This legislation was designed to ensure that such activities are managed in a manner that protects the environment, promotes efficient and orderly development of offshore resources, and provides for effective regulation and oversight. The Act aims to balance the interests of industry, environmental protection, and the public by establishing clear guidelines and regulatory mechanisms for offshore operations. The enactment of this Act was necessary to fill the legislative gap in managing offshore petroleum activities and their environmental impacts, ensuring sustainable and responsible exploitation of Australia's offshore resources.
This legislation empowers the Commonwealth-Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority to regulate and license offshore activities, including the variation of pipeline licenses as seen in the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL29 for the Blackback to Mackerel pipeline. The variation, made under the authority of the Act, adjusts the operational parameters and specifications of the pipeline to ensure compliance with updated safety and environmental standards, reflecting the policy objective of maintaining high safety and environmental protection standards in offshore operations. The detailed specifications for the pipeline's route, design, materials, and protective coatings underscore the Act's commitment to rigorous oversight and management of offshore infrastructure to prevent accidents and environmental damage.
Scope and Application
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to the offshore petroleum industry within the Commonwealth jurisdiction, regulating activities such as the exploration, development, and production of petroleum and greenhouse gas storage in the Commonwealth waters of Australia. This Act governs the licensing and operation of offshore petroleum activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, and operational standards. Specifically, the Act applies to entities like Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and Woodside Energy (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd, which hold titles under the Act, and it mandates adherence to the specific requirements set out for the variation of pipeline licenses, such as the one for the Blackback to Mackerel pipeline. The geographic reach of the Act encompasses the offshore areas of Australia, which are defined by the Commonwealth. The Act may extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments, which include detailed regulations and guidelines that further define the operational standards and compliance requirements for entities involved in offshore petroleum activities.
Key Provisions
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, under which the variation of the Pipeline Licence VIC/PL29 is made, specifies key provisions related to the operation and regulation of offshore petroleum activities, including the alteration of pipeline routes and specifications. Section 226 of the Act provides the authority for the Titles Administrator to vary a licence, ensuring that any changes comply with regulatory standards and objectives. Section 264 outlines the requirements for the design and construction of pipelines, ensuring safety and environmental protection. Section 708 imposes obligations on the titleholders to adhere to the specified pipeline route and technical specifications, ensuring the integrity and safety of the pipeline infrastructure.
The obligations imposed by the Act on the titleholders, Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and Woodside Energy (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd, include strict compliance with the specified pipeline route and design parameters. They are required to construct the pipeline in accordance with the detailed specifications provided, including the use of specific materials and protective coatings. The titleholders must ensure that the pipeline design parameters, such as diameter, flow rate, and pressure, are meticulously followed to maintain operational safety and regulatory compliance. Additionally, they must ensure that all construction activities are carried out in accordance with the detailed specifications to prevent any risks to the environment and public safety.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 can result in significant penalties and legal consequences. Breaches of the Act, such as non-compliance with specified pipeline routes or design specifications, can lead to enforcement actions by the regulator. The maximum penalties for non-compliance may include substantial fines and potential criminal charges, depending on the severity and impact of the breach. In addition to financial penalties, the titleholders may also face civil actions for damages resulting from any environmental harm or safety incidents arising from non-compliance with the Act's requirements. Such consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the specified regulations to avoid severe legal repercussions.