By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, May 14 -- BHP Billiton Ltd. is overseeing repairs to the Neptune tension-leg platform in the Gulf of Mexico to reinforce certain structural components in the hull's pontoons as required to meet the TLP's original design intent.

Subject to regulatory approval, BHP Billiton expects to bring Neptune on stream by the end of the second quarter. A hull anomaly was discovered during a routine commissioning inspection (OGJ, Apr. 7, 2008, Newsletter).

The single-column TLP, in 4,250 ft of water on Green Canyon Block 613, originally was scheduled to start production by Mar. 31, but start up had to be deferred. Project costs are not expected to increase significantly because of the engineering contractor's warranty.

BHP Billiton is the operator and holds 35% interest. Its partners are Marathon Oil Co. 30%, Woodside Energy (USA) Inc. 20%, and Maxus (US) Exploration Co. 15%.