bp Bets on a Head Start for Deepwater Success

bp and GATE advance early commissioning in the Gulf, offering a model to cut delays and sharpen execution

16 Sep 2025

bp is advancing a new approach to deepwater project planning in the US Gulf of Mexico, turning to earlier commissioning work to strengthen control over offshore schedules. The company’s partnership with GATE Energy on the Kaskida floating production unit is drawing attention across the sector as operators seek more predictable paths to first production.

bp awarded GATE the commissioning contract in September 2025, giving the Houston-based group responsibility for testing and preparing the Kaskida unit well before it is deployed offshore. The change departs from the traditional sequencing of late-stage commissioning and reflects growing pressure on operators to curb delays as regulatory demands tighten and offshore systems become more complex. First production from Kaskida is expected in 2029.

Kaskida ranks among the Gulf’s largest ongoing developments and centres on a floating production system built by Seatrium. By involving a commissioning partner earlier in the project, bp aims to reduce risks that often emerge when multiple systems must be verified in compressed time frames. Industry analysts say the move could gain wider support if Kaskida stays on schedule.

GATE has described the partnership as a chance to create a more connected route to startup by identifying issues during construction rather than in the final phase. bp has said that “early alignment” between engineering, fabrication and commissioning teams is becoming essential as even short delays can raise project costs. The shift echoes a broader trend towards integrated project planning in deepwater basins.

Some specialists warn of potential constraints, including a limited pool of commissioning providers that could influence pricing or competition. Others note that contracts will need careful design to balance responsibilities between operators and contractors. Still, several observers argue that the high cost of extended setbacks makes the model attractive as companies target deeper and technically demanding reservoirs.

As Kaskida progresses through its multi-year development cycle, the industry is monitoring the project for signs of whether the strategy delivers the intended efficiencies. If progress holds, early-stage commissioning partnerships could become more common and accelerate investment in digital tools for system testing. While production remains several years away, the Gulf of Mexico continues to shape the next phase of offshore development.