The plant is now mechanically complete. Nitrogen gas is being introduced into the plant to pressure-test vessels and safety systems.

Following that, sales quality gas then raw gas from the offshore platform will be run through the plant to complete commissioning and performance testing of the full gas-processing stream.

Meanwhile, Consafe Offshore will provide a substitute floating accommodation vessel for the Safe Concordia, which is undergoing repairs. A sister ship, the Safe Astoria, is now sailing from Singapore and is due to arrive at the Yolla platform site in mid-December.

“Arrival and commencement of operations from the vessel will enable rectification work required prior to the commissioning of the offshore platform to be accelerated,” Origin said.

The project is now expected to begin product sales in February next year and full product sales from late March.

BassGas is a partnership between Origin Energy as operator (42.5%), AWE (30%), CalEnergy (15%) and Wandoo Petroleum (12.5%)