Air and sea lifelines

Helicopters are one of the crucial lifelines that support the oil and gas operations in Bass Strait. ExxonMobil operates Australia's largest privately owned helicopter fleet from its heliport at Longford near Sale, 220 kilometres east of Melbourne.

Sikorsky S-76C helicopters operate regular morning and afternoon flights to ferry personnel to and from the platforms which are between 25 and 80 kilometres offshore.

The helicopters are capable of seating up to 12 people. They also carry more than 20 tonnes of urgent freight and critical spares per month.

In addition, two supply ships operate out of ExxonMobil's Barry Beach Marine Terminal near Port Welshpool.

The ships operate 24 hours a day and move between platforms loading and unloading cargo. They have a crew of 11 and are equipped with specialised navigational equipment and propulsion systems which allow them to operate close to the offshore platforms.

Around 50 percent of the cargo delivered to the platforms is bulk products essential for drilling and oil and gas production - diesel, water, glycol, barites and cement. These are carried in below deck tanks. The balance of cargo is food and machinery which is transported on deck packed in specially designed containers.