Equinor is the operator of the Heidrun field.
The leak occurred in the gas export segment to Tjeldbergodden at a pressure of 136 bar and is believed to have happened when a temporarily connected hose ruptured. The hose had been installed for use in monitoring pressure in preparation for a scheduled turnaround.
Gas detection led to the automatic shutdown of production and the implementation of emergency preparedness measures. According to the operator, the safety and emergency preparedness systems functioned as intended.
Investigation
Havtil have decided to launch an investigation into the incident and a team of our specialists is now starting work.
Through the investigation, we will:
- Carefully review the chain of events.
- Assess the actual and potential consequences.
- Assess direct and underlying causes.
- Identify regulatory non-conformities and improvement points
- Publish the results of the investigation.
- Contribute to the transfer of experience and lessons learned to other industry participants.
The investigation will be summarised in a report to be published on havtil.no.
Why is Havtil conducting an investigation?
The investigation of accidents and undesirable incidents forms a key part of the work to prevent further incidents in the petroleum industry.
Investigations provide insight into what has happened, what the underlying causes are and how we can learn and improve. The objective is to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Havtil’s investigations also have a clear purpose in terms of ensuring compliance with HSE regulations.
Find out more: Investigations – what does Havtil do and what do the regulations require?