Xodus expanded its involvement in the Northern Endeavour decommissioning program in Australian waters; the energy consultancy will support the environmental approvals for the next stages of the retirement of the Laminaria-Corallina offshore oil fields.
The program is being run by the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) and involves the progressive dismantling of facilities located approximately 550 kilometers northwest of Darwin.
Thus, Xodus will continue to be linked to a project in which it has participated since its first phase; its new scope focuses on phases 2 and 3 and covers everything from environmental assessments to technical services related to possible oil spills.
Xodus expands its involvement in oil decommissioning
Specifically, phase 2 involves the permanent sealing and abandonment of the underwater wells of Laminaria-Corallina. This operation will allow progress in the definitive closure of assets that were part of the oil production in the area.
Phase 3, meanwhile, will focus on the dismantling and removal of the remaining underwater infrastructure.
For both stages, Xodus will conduct environmental impact assessments and provide support related to approvals under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC).
In addition, the scope includes oil spill modeling, geographic information system (GIS) services, support in interacting with regulatory bodies, and planning for the execution of the work.
The project is moving forward after completing its first phase
Previously, phase 1 of the program Northern Endeavour this included the suspension of well drilling and the washing of the subsea infrastructure. It also contemplated the disconnection and subsequent towing of the FPSO Northern Endeavour.
This floating production, storage and offloading facility is 274 meters long and remained moored between the Laminaria and Corallina oil fields.
The FPSO operated between 1999 and 2019 in the Timor Sea and produced light crude originating from Laminaria-Corallina within the area corresponding to the AC/L5 oil production license.
Subsequently, the first phase culminated in April 2025 with the separation of the FPSO from its underwater connections.
Xodus participated during this stage through a team dedicated for several years to technical and project support services; their tasks included technical guarantee and advisory services.
Elemental Consulting Services joins the next stages
To develop phases 2 and 3, Xodus will work together with Elemental Consulting Services this latter company was also involved in the first stage by supporting the corresponding approvals for the contractor in charge of the FPSO operations.
The prior participation of both firms allows the knowledge acquired during the initial phase to be transferred to subsequent well abandonment and underwater infrastructure removal operations.
Carrie McIntosh Xodus’ Late Life & Decommissioning Manager noted that Northern Endeavour is among the most important decommissioning programs currently underway in Asia-Pacific.
He also highlighted the team’s participation from phase 1 and Xodus’s continued involvement in environmental approvals until the program’s completion.
With the advancement to phases 2 and 3, the Northern Endeavour program now enters the stages focused on the permanent abandonment of the wells and the subsequent removal of the Laminaria-Corallina underwater infrastructure.
Source: Offshore Energy
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