Williams Partners LP and DCP Midstream Partners LP have brought online ultra-deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GOM) natural gas pipeline infrastructure about 300 miles south-southwest of New Orleans.

The companies’ newly extended Discovery natural gas gathering system is now flowing natural gas, and the Keathley Canyon Connector gathering pipeline system and the South Timbalier Block 283 junction platform are serving producers in the central ultra-deepwater GOM.

The 20-inch diameter, 209-mile Keathley Canyon Connector, which is capable of gathering more than 400 MMcf/d of gas, originates in the southeast portion of the Keathley Canyon protraction area and terminates into Discovery’s 30-inch diameter mainline at Discovery’s new junction platform. The pipeline was constructed in water depths of up to 7,200 feet.

The Keathley Canyon Connector extension is supported by long-term agreements with the Lucius and Hadrian South owners, as well as the Heidelberg and Hadrian North owners, for gas gathering, transportation and processing services for production from those fields. The new pipeline is near other high-potential deepwater GOM discoveries and prospects, the companies said.

The Discovery system also includes the 600 MMcf/d Larose natural gas processing plant providing market outlets to six interstate/intrastate gas pipelines and the 35,000 b/d Paradis fractionation facility.

The Keathley Canyon Connector project was announced three years ago. At the time, completion was expected in mid-2014 (see Daily GPI,Jan. 20, 2012). An open season for the project was held in 2010 (see Daily GPI, July 26, 2010).

“Building a pipeline in challenging terrain at this depth is incredibly complex, and I applaud our project team for their commitment to completing the project in a safe, environmentally responsible and timely manner,” said Rory Miller, senior vice president of Williams’ Atlantic-Gulf operating area.