Hilcorp Alaska, LLC has filed a Development and Production Plan with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management for the Liberty Project. Filing of the plan is the first of many steps in the permitting process, which entails multiple approvals at the local, state and federal levels and is expected to take more than two years. A final analysis and decision to proceed with the project will be made after all the necessary permits have been issued.
The plan calls for construction of a self-contained island connected to land by a subsea pipeline.
The proposed island is similar to other islands that have been safely developing Alaska’s offshore resources responsibly for nearly 30 years: Endicott, Northstar, Oooguruk and Nikaitchuq.
The 9.3-acre, manmade Liberty Island will take an estimated two years to construct. The island will have facilities for drilling, production, production support, utilities, camp and relief-well area. The outer perimeter of the island will be heavily reinforced using proven North Slope technology.
Liberty Project Location
Located 15 miles east of Prudhoe Bay in Foggy Island Bay, Liberty Island will sit about six miles offshore in 19 feet of water. The area is well protected from the moving polar icepack, shielded by a belt of offshore barrier islands and covered by stable “shore-fast” sea ice in winter.
While the island location is near shore, no permanent road or causeway will connect Liberty Island to the mainland. Personnel and equipment will be transported via helicopter or boat.
Partners in the Liberty Project include Hilcorp Alaska, LLC; BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.; and ASRC Exploration, LLC.
For more information visit the new Liberty website.