ExxonMobil today said it had safely removed a faulty compressor from its Liza Destiny offshore platform for repairs overseas and in the meanwhile production levels have been cut to limit the controversial flaring of gas.
It did not say by how much production had been cut. Exxon had been producing at 120,000 barrels per day and sometimes over that level.
A statement from Exxon follows:
Operational Update on Gas Compressor issue on Liza Destiny
“A technical team has safely removed the 3rd stage compressor from the package enclosure on the Liza Destiny and is preparing it for transport onshore. An initial examination determined that the unit has to be sent for repairs in Germany where it is expected to arrive on February 9. The full extent of the damage will not be known until a detailed inspection of the compressor can take place at the workshop of the manufacturer, MAN Turbo in Germany.
“`I wish to assure you that teams of experts from ExxonMobil, SBM Offshore and MAN Turbo are working diligently to fix the compressor and return it to service as quickly as possible,’ said Alistair Routledge President of ExxonMobil Guyana. `We have lowered production levels on the Liza Destiny since the compressor failed and continue to seek ways to reduce flaring. We are currently injecting or using 88 percent of the gas produced from the wells. We share a common interest in responsible management and appropriate standards for development of the country’s natural resources.’
“ExxonMobil Guyana is providing daily updates to the relevant government agencies”.
On January 29th, Exxon issued a terse statement disclosing the gas compression problem. It said: “There was a technical issue regarding a seal on the gas compressor on Liza Destiny. This unfortunate incident resulted in us having to temporarily increase our flare above pilot levels in order to maintain safe operations”.
