[en] In June 1992, the first production from the Nova Scotia offshore flowed from the Cohasset project. In the project's projected six-year life, LASMO Nova Scotia intends to bring ashore 49 million bbl, and revenues will exceed $1 billion if the oil price averages US$20/bbl. The project's beginnings date from 1967, when drilling began in the Sable Island area. The first significant gas discovery came in 1969 and the Venture gas field was discovered on the Scotian Shelf in 1979. A provincial corporation, Nova Scotia Resources, supported exploration of the Cohasset area starting in 1982. Discovery wells drilled in the late 1980s showed successful oil production was possible and facilities were designed for a combined project to develop the Cohasset, Panuke, and Balmoral fields 41 km southeast of Sable Island. The fields are in relatively shallow water, making it possible to use a converted jack-up rig for the production facility. Oil is sent through a subsea pipeline to a loading buoy and a 930,000 bbl floating storage tanker. Challenges faced by the project operator LASMO include storms, strong winds, fogs, and operating a platform 180 km from the mainland. Concerns about the effects of operations on the fishing industry are addressed through a liaison committee and a compensation plan for damages. LASMO and Nova Scotia Resources expect Cohasset to be profitable. The oil from the field is light and sulfur-free and the first shipments have averaged C$26-27/bbl. 4 figs