LT Bulb plate on huge platform for Mad Dog 2 project

The Argos platform for the BP-operated $9 billion Mad Dog 2 project has arrived in the US after completing its 16,000-mile journey from South Korea.

BP said the arrival of the semi-submersible at Kiewit’s yard in Ingleside, Texas, was a milestone towards the completion of the project.

It will support about 800 jobs during the work in Ingleside and about 250 jobs once in operation.

Argos will be the company’s fifth operated platform in the Gulf of Mexico – and the first new platform since Thunder Horse began production in 2008.

It will provide BP with growth potential and an estimated 25% increase in production capacity in the region.

Gordon Birrell, executive vice president, production and operations, said: “When Argos is fully in place, Mad Dog 2 will be set to deliver resilient barrels from one of the most prolific basins in the world, strengthening our position in the Gulf for years to come.”

Construction of the 60,000-ton platform – with a deck the length and width of an American football field – began in March 2018 at Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard in South Korea.

It was transported to Texas over the past 60+ days onboard the Boskalis BOKA Vanguard heavy transport vessel.

While in Texas, Argos will undergo final preparatory work and regulatory inspections before heading offshore.

Starlee Sykes, senior vice president, Gulf of Mexico and Canada, said: “This project illustrates the innovative and collaborative spirit of BP at its best.