PSA Investigates Oil Leak on ConocoPhillips’ Eldfisk Field
The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) has resolved to investigate a hydrocarbon leak which occurred on the Eldfisk field in the North Sea on 7 August 2014.
This incident happened early on the morning of Thursday 7 August, and led to the discharge of stabilised oil to the sea from the Eldfisk FTP field terminal platform.
The facility was then in the process of starting up again after an emergency shutdown (ESD) and loss of power on 6 August.
According to operator ConocoPhillips, a blowdown valve in the separator was left open during the start-up, so that stabilised oil flowed to the sea via a sea sump and knockout drum.
The leak was discovered and halted at 05.00 on 7 August. A helicopter was dispatched to monitor and assess the size of the spill, and mechanical recovery of the oil initiated.
The PSA’s decision to launch its own investigation reflects the seriousness of the incident and the information received about it. Among other goals, the inquiry will seek to establish the course of events, identify the direct and underlying causes, and follow up ConocoPhillips’ own investigations of the ESD and leak.
