Esso is planning to undertake the first decommissioning campaign for the Bass Strait facilities (Campaign #1), which are located in Commonwealth waters, between 21 and 77 kilometres off the east coast of Victoria.
Campaign #1 includes the removal of the topsides of up to 13 offshore platforms, the removal of the upper jacket sections of up to 10 steel piled jacket facilities and the full removal to seabed of two monotowers. Removal of the facilities will be completed by a heavy lift vessel - the Allseas Pioneering Spirit, supported by one or more construction support vessels. The heavy lift vessel or construction support vessel will transport the removed topsides and jacket sections to a sheltered location closer to shore where it will be transferred onto a barge or a heavy transport vessel (HTV) for onward transit. Other smaller vessels, tugs and helicopters will provide support during the removal activities.
The activities under this EP are expected to commence in the third quarter of 2026 and conclude during the first quarter of 2028. The Pioneering Spirit HLV is expected to undertake removal activities for approximately 4 months, commencing in the third quarter of 2027.