Shell Confirms Gas Leak Near Curlew FPSO
Shell UK has confirmed that a release of gas occurred from infrastructure in the vicinity of Shell’s Curlew Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) located approximately 130 miles south east of Aberdeen late on Monday, January 19, 2015.
According to Shell’s statement a release of gas was detected several hundred meters away from the FPSO at approximately 2300hrs.
Initial indications were that the escape had occurred from the subsea infrastructure close to the FPSO, which is connected to the Fulmar Gas Line exporting gas to the St Fergus terminal.
Specialist divers from the ‘Bibby Polaris’ - Dive Support Vessel (DSV) are currently on site to close two valves which will isolate the Curlew FPSO from the Fulmar pipeline. In addition another detailed investigation of the isolated infrastructure, adjacent to Curlew, will be undertaken by the ‘Normand Subsea’ with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).
“Once our initial investigation is complete into the cause of the gas escape, and we believe it is safe to do so, we will recommence gas export from the various producers connected to the Fulmar Gas line to the St Fergus Gas Plant,” Shell stated.
“All personnel are safe and accounted for. The relevant authorities have been informed.”
Image: Maersk
