Friday 13 October 2006
ROYAL Dutch Shell’s safety record came under attack after a Norwegian regulator ordered it and a rival operator to stop production on two offshore rigs because of concerns about lifeboats.
Shell, which operates the Draugen facility, and Statoil, which runs Snorre, were told several ‘free fall’ lifeboats needed to be strengthened.
Shutdowns could lead to a 9pc drop in Norway’s average daily production.
The two oil giants are likely to keep the fields running at least until they meet officials on Friday.