Infrastructure upgrade announced for Bull Arm Site

Mines and Energy Minister Walter Noel, Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada and Percy Barrett, MHA for Bellevue District, today announced funding for the purchase of a special retractable door for the Topsides Module Hall at the Bull Arm Site.

The Topsides Module Hall building was constructed primarily for the Hibernia project. At the time of its design, a removable panel system was selected as the entry and exit system for the various modules. This process involves the removal and reinstallation of the entire 51 metre wall each time major work is undertaken, and can cost upwards of $1 million. Further, the structural integrity of the materials in the end wall is affected each time the wall is removed.

"The installation of a retractable door at Bull Arm is extremely important to the future use, operation and competitiveness of the site," said Minister Noel. "It will enable companies involved in the offshore oil and gas industry to more competitively bid work on an international basis using the site, while expanding their own areas of expertise. If companies are able to bid work successfully using Bull Arm, an established work force will be maintained which will contribute to the long term viability of the site.

"The money for this initiative will come from the Industry Development Fund (IDF), a cost-shared federal-provincial initiative. The IDF was intended to facilitate greater participation by local companies in the offshore oil and gas sector, and has helped fund feasibility studies and the development of new technology. The Government of Canada contributes 75 per cent of the cost of these projects, while the province pays the remaining 25 per cent. We have recently gone to tender for the door, and hope to have the contract awarded in the near future."

"I am pleased that the Government of Canada is investing in this project, and I believe it will provide great opportunities for local and regional economic development," said Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "By collaborating with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador on the Industry Development Fund, we are ensuring that the offshore oil and gas industry remains healthy and sustainable, and contributes to the quality of life in the region."

"The announcement is great news for Bull Arm and for the Bellevue District," said Percy Barrett. "We have worked long and hard with both government and business interests to bring work back to the Bull Arm site. The addition of a door to the Topside Module Hall will certainly help as we work to ensure the site remains open and attracts work to the area for the future benefit of the province and the people of the District of Bellevue."

Media contact:

Darrell Mercer, Department of Mines and Energy, (709) 729-5777
Janice Lockyer, Department of Labour, (709) 729-1741
Alexandra Muir, Natural Resources Canada, (613) 947-8246

2003 09 26                                          3:55 p.m.