In the interim, Anzon said 30,000 barrels of crude oil per week from the Basker-Manta field would be transferred between the Basker Spirit and the Crystal Ocean, a small production vessel.

Transfers are expected to begin later today.

“The oil transfer process is a result of a temporary problem that prevents the Basker Spirit from being moored permanently offshore in Bass Strait, immediately adjacent to the Basker and Manta fields,” Anzon said in a statement this morning.

“The 30,000 barrels of oil transfers are likely to be conducted once a week through to the end of October, at which time the offshore mooring is expected to be reinstated.”

Anzon said workshops have been undertaken with the local harbour authority NSW Maritime, community groups and fisherman to ensure the oil transfers were planned carefully with minimal risks.

Work to fix the Basker Spirit’s mooring system was originally due to be completed at the end of last month, after Anzon contracted a construction-diving support vessel in July to do repairs.

Full production was meant to follow several days later.