Variation of Pipeline Licence WA-31-PL (Lambert Deep Pipeline) (08-2024)

Overview

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 was enacted to provide a framework for the regulation of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities. This Act was introduced to address the need for a comprehensive legal structure governing offshore operations, ensuring environmental protection, safety, and efficient resource management. The Act is administered by the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator on behalf of the Commonwealth–Western Australia Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority. The policy objective of this Act is to facilitate the orderly and responsible development of offshore petroleum resources while safeguarding the environment and ensuring the safety of operations. This specific variation of the Lambert Deep Pipeline Licence, published in the Australian Government Gazette, is a practical application of the legislative framework to adjust operational details, reflecting changes in pipeline specifications and design to comply with updated safety and operational standards. This variation, effective from the date of publication, pertains to the Lambert Deep Pipeline Licence, adjusting its route, design, and construction specifications. The new route details commence at the Universal Connection System connector face on the flexible flowline downstream of the Lambert Deep manifold and conclude at the flange face upstream of the riser emergency shutdown valve on the Angel Platform. The pipeline specifications have been updated to reflect adherence to international standards such as ISO 13628-1 and Australian standards like AS 2885.4. These changes aim to enhance the operational efficiency and safety of the pipeline, ensuring it meets the stringent regulatory requirements set forth by the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.

Scope and Application

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to the variation of Pipeline Licence WA-31-PL, affecting the Lambert Deep Pipeline. This Act operates at the Commonwealth level, specifically under the authority of the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator on behalf of the Commonwealth–Western Australia Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority. The legislation governs the modification of pipeline routes, specifications, and operational parameters within Australia’s offshore petroleum sector. The variation of the Lambert Deep Pipeline licence impacts the registered titleholders, including Woodside Energy Ltd., BP Developments Australia Pty. Ltd., Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd., Shell Australia Pty Ltd, and Woodside Energy (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd. The changes include modifications to the pipeline route, design and construction specifications, and the basis of design for the pipeline system. This variation is set to take effect on the day it is published in the Australian Government Gazette and is subject to the Act’s stipulations regarding offshore petroleum activities and the management of greenhouse gas storage.

Key Provisions

The variation of the Pipeline Licence WA-31-PL, as outlined in the Gazette, brings several key changes to the operational parameters of the Lambert Deep Pipeline. Primarily, Section 226 (1) of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 mandates the modification of the pipeline route, now starting from the Universal Connection System (UCON) connector face downstream of the Lambert Deep manifold and ending at the flange face upstream of the riser emergency shutdown valve (RESDV) on the Angel Platform. This variation, effective from the date of its publication in the Australian Government Gazette, also stipulates that the pipeline route corridor extends ± 40 meters either side of the provided route. The specific coordinates and features of the pipeline route are detailed in the attached route map and table. Under Section 226 (2), the variation mandates that the pipeline must be of flexible construction, conforming to the international standard ISO 13628-1 for subsea production systems and the Australian standard AS 2885.4 for the rigid topside piping. The design and construction specifications are updated to reflect the new pipeline standards, including detailed measurements of the inside diameter, wall thickness, length, and material grade of the pipe and riser sections. Additionally, the design life, construction method, and pressure specifications are revised to ensure compliance with the updated standards. The obligations imposed by this variation include adherence to the new pipeline specifications, which dictate the use of specific materials and construction techniques. Titleholders must ensure that the pipeline is designed and constructed according to the updated standards, with particular attention to the flexibility, strength, and durability of the pipeline. This involves meticulous planning and execution to meet the stringent requirements set forth in the Gazette. Failure to comply with the provisions of the varied Pipeline Licence WA-31-PL can result in severe consequences. Under Section 708 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, breaches of the licence conditions can lead to enforcement actions. These may include fines, cancellation of the licence, or other penalties as deemed appropriate by the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator. The maximum penalty for non-compliance with the Act can amount to significant financial repercussions, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to the specified requirements.