The ramp-up in output follows last week’s announcement by partners Anzon Australia and Beach Petroleum that the shuttle tanker mooring has been re-instated and normal operations had resumed.

“The wells and production facilities have been ramped up gradually and a combined production rate is presently 12,600 barrels per day and increasing,” Anzon said yesterday.

“Produced gas of approximately 32 million standard cubic feet is being reinjected via the large centrifugal compressor into Basker-4 to minimise flaring.”

“All operations are running smoothly and safely.”

Anzon reiterated that the JV was fully covered by insurance for the repairs and lost production revenue resulting from this interruption.

A cargo of crude in excess of 300,000bbls on the shuttle tanker Basker Spirit will be sold to the Shell Geelong refinery at the end of this month.

The participants in the Basker-Manta JV are: Anzon Australia 40%, Beach Petroleum 40% and CIECO Exploration and Production (Australia) 20%.