BP Exploration Alaska Inc. has announced on 11 August 2006 that it will continue production of oil from the western side of the Prudhoe Bay oil field. Current production is 150,000bpd, including natural gas liquids, and is expected to increase to 200,000bpd as Gathering Center 1 ramps up to full production after completion of a planned maintenance shutdown. BP will complete the installation of 16mi of new oil transit line at Prudhoe Bay by early next year. The company continues to evaluate interim options for restoring production from the eastern side of the field, subject to the approval of the US Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The decision to continue production from the western half of the field was taken after close consultation with federal and state regulatory agencies, review of more than 1400 ultrasonic inspections conducted on a key 5mi section of pipeline and a decision to begin round-the-clock visual and infrared surveillance of the line. BP will continue ultrasonic inspection of the western transit line and plans to complete additional inspections in coming weeks. The company will evaluate test results on a daily basis to determine if repairs are required or if continued operation of the line is appropriate. BP plans to run maintenance and smart pigs through the pipeline before the end of November after installing a pig launcher at Gathering Center 1.
