Variation of Pipeline Licence WA-30-PL (Spartan to John Brookes Pipeline)

Overview

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, addresses the regulation of offshore petroleum activities and greenhouse gas storage in Australia. This legislation provides a framework for the administration of offshore petroleum titles, including the licensing of activities such as exploration, production, and transportation of petroleum resources. The policy objective of this Act is to ensure the sustainable development and management of Australia's offshore petroleum resources while minimising environmental impact and ensuring safety. The provided gazette variation, issued by the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator on behalf of the Commonwealth–Western Australia Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, specifically modifies the route and technical specifications of Pipeline Licence WA-30-PL, indicating an adjustment to the pipeline's operational parameters and alignment to enhance efficiency or address technical and safety considerations. This variation, effective from the date of publication in the Commonwealth Government Gazette, demonstrates the practical application of the Act by refining the operational details of a licensed pipeline. Such adjustments are essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of offshore infrastructure, ensuring compliance with evolving industry standards, and addressing any unforeseen operational challenges that may arise during the pipeline's lifecycle. The detailed specifications and route adjustments outlined in the gazette reflect the Act's role in facilitating the dynamic management of offshore petroleum activities in a manner that balances economic interests with environmental and safety imperatives.

Scope and Application

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to entities involved in offshore petroleum activities, including the issuance and variation of pipeline licences within the Commonwealth's jurisdiction. The act governs the management and regulation of offshore petroleum operations and greenhouse gas storage in Australian waters, with specific provisions detailing the legal framework for pipeline licensing and operations. This particular variation of the pipeline licence WA-30-PL, administered by the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator on behalf of the Commonwealth-Western Australia Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, pertains to Santos WA Southwest Pty Limited and Santos (BOL) Pty Ltd. The variation specifies the pipeline route, design parameters, and operational specifications, ensuring compliance with the established legal and technical standards set forth by the act. The variation is effective from the date of its publication in the Commonwealth Government Gazette and encompasses modifications to the pipeline route, specifications, and design parameters as detailed in the accompanying documentation.

Key Provisions

Section 226 and 708 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 provide the legal framework for varying a pipeline licence. In this case, the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator, Graeme Albert Waters, on behalf of the Commonwealth–Western Australia Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, has varied Pipeline Licence WA-30-PL. This variation modifies the pipeline route, specifications, and basis of design. The new pipeline route is detailed in the attached map (Annexure A) and the Basis of Design table. These changes were effective from the date of publication in the Commonwealth Government Gazette. The obligations and requirements imposed by this variation include the specification of the pipeline's route, which now begins at the diverless connector on the gooseneck assembly downstream of the Spartan XT hub and ends at the upstream flange on the end of flexible at the interface to the topside shutdown flange on the John Brookes Platform. The pipeline's design specifications have been updated to reflect changes in the outside diameter, wall thickness, length, material, and maximum allowable operating pressure. These specifications are designed to ensure the pipeline meets safety and performance standards for its intended use. In terms of consequences for non-compliance, the Act does not explicitly state offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches of these variations. However, any failure to comply with the provisions of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 could result in enforcement actions, including fines, suspension, or revocation of the pipeline licence. The specific penalties would be determined based on the nature and severity of the breach, as governed by the broader regulatory framework under the Act.