IOG plc Completion of Saturn Banks Reception Facilities (SBRF) and Start of Backgassing
Monday 7 March 2022
IOG plc ("IOG", or "the Company"), has provided a further Phase 1 operational update.
Andrew Hockey, CEO of IOG, commented:
"I'm very pleased to say that the onshore Saturn Banks Reception Facilities (SBRF) have now been fully commissioned and pipeline backgassing has started today. This is the final step to First Gas which we expect in approximately one week's time. My thanks go to terminal operator Perenco who have worked very hard to ensure the onshore facilities are safe and ready for IOG's first production."
SBRF and Backgassing
All construction, commissioning and function testing activities at the SBRF have now been completed and fully signed off. The required UK Health and Safety Executive clarifications referred to previously have been addressed. The Pre-Start Up Safety Review and operations walkdown have been concluded, enabling IOG, its pipeline and platform operator ODE Asset Management and Bacton terminal operator Perenco UK Limited each to be fully satisfied to commence the backgassing process today.
Backgassing involves reverse flow of gas from the terminal to pressurise the pipeline system up to the safe operating window for start-up, with final function tests of equipment and safety systems before forward flow can begin. Subject to weather and logistics, the backgassing and well start-up sequence is likely to take approximately one week, with first IOG sales gas to be received onshore rapidly thereafter.