During a downhole operation in one of the production wells on Gullfaks C, several breaks were observed in the coiled tubing as well as a drop in wellhead pressure. The breaks have been attributed to exposure to hydrogen sulphur (H₂S).
The well was shut in by activating the blowout preventer (BOP), and drilling/well operations were halted. No leakage from the well has been reported.
Equinor is operator for the Gullfaks field.
Investigation
The PSA has decided to launch its own investigation of this incident.
Its main objectives are to identify the causes of the incident and possible lessons learnt, and to share this information with the industry.
In conducting its investigation, the PSA will
- clarify the course of events and the scope of the incident
- assess its actual and potential consequences
- assess its direct and underlying causes
- identify nonconformities and improvement points related to the regulations
- apply necessary enforcement powers to correct possible regulatory breaches
- make public its findings
- contribute to experience transfer to and learning by other players in the petroleum sector.
The investigation will be summed up in report published at psa.no.