This discharge was detected by the observation of oil on the sea surface alongside the North Sea platform.

Preliminary information indicates that the leak came from one of the cells in Statfjord A’s concrete gravity base structure.

The discharge was quickly halted. According to Statfjord operator Equinor, the volume released is estimated at 40-80 cubic metres of oil.

Investigation

An investigation team comprising PSA specialists is now starting its work.

This will include

  • reviewing in detail and clarifying the course of events
  • identifying and describing the actual and potential consequences of the incident
  • establishing the direct and underlying causes
  • clarifying responsibilities
  • applying necessary enforcement powers to correct possible breaches of the regulations
  • making the results of its investigation public
  • contributing to experience transfer and learning lessons for other players in the petroleum industry.

The investigation’s findings will be summed up in a report published at psa.no.

Statfjord

Statfjord is a field in the Tampen area in the northern part of the North Sea, on the border between the Norwegian and UK sectors. The Norwegian share of the field is 85.47 per cent. The water depth in the area is 150 metres. Statfjord was discovered in 1974, and the plan for development and operation (PDO) was approved in 1976.

The field has been developed with three fully integrated concrete facilities: Statfjord A, Statfjord B and Statfjord C. Statfjord A, centrally located on the field, came on stream in 1979. Statfjord B, in the southern part of the field, in 1982, and Statfjord C, in the northern part, in 1985.

Source: norskpetroleum.no