BWO prevented from leaving Tui oil field

EPA has declined to issue a ruling that would have allowed BW Offshore (BWO) to disconnect its vessel from the subsea equipment and temporarily place the equipment on the seabed in the Tui oil field off the coast of Taranaki.

BWO requested rulings on eight interconnected activities that it would need to carry out in order for the vessel to disconnect and leave the Tui oil field.We can only issue a ruling if it determines that the adverse effects on the environment and existing interests of the activities are likely to be “minor or less than minor”.Because we have not issued rulings to authorise all eight activities, today’s decision means BWO cannot disconnect its vessel and remove it from the Tui oil field.Read the Ruling EEZ500029 decision memorandum, the ruling certificate, and supporting information