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Shell launches investigation into suspected North Sea gas leak

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Screen Shot 2015-01-06 at 21.26.38Article by Niamh Burns published by EnergyVoice.com 21 Jan 2015

Shell launches investigation into suspected North Sea gas leak

An investigation has been launched after a suspected gas leak in the North Sea.

Oil major Shell, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) will review the incident, which happened earlier this week close to the Curlew Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO).

Specialist divers from the Bibby Polaris Dive Support Vessel (DSV) are currently on site to close two vales which will isolate the vessel from the Fulmar pipeline.

There are currently 91 personnel onboard the vessel and Shell said it had “no plans” to evacuate staff.

A spokeswoman for Shell said the suspected leak from the FPSO, which is 130 miles south east of Aberdeen, was detected several hundred metres away from the vessel.

She said:“Shell UK can confirm 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.

“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.

“All personnel are safe and accounted for. The relevant authorities have been informed.”

Last year Shell announced it would sell off three of its North Sea fields as its kicked off a £9billion asset sale.

The company said it would be focusing on a number of projects including investments in Schiehallion and Clair, as well as its Beryl and Curlew FPSO’s.

The Curlew FPSO produces oil and gas in the Central North Sea.

It exports gas via the Fulmar Gas Line to St Fergus and exports oil from an offtake tanker.

SOURCE

RELATED EVENING EXPRESS ARTICLE

Offshore workers set to leave boat after North Sea gas leak alert

AN INVESTIGATION was under way today into a gas leak in the North Sea.

More than 50 workers were due to be taken off the Curlew Floating Production Storage and Offtake (FPSO) boat following the incident, but bad weather prevented them from doing so.

The Evening Express understands authorities are investigating whether the vessel struck a pipe on the Fulmar Gas Line, 130 miles south-east of Aberdeen.

Police Scotland and Aberdeen Coastguard were made aware of the leak after reports of “bubbling at the surface of the sea”.

A Shell UK spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that an incident occurred late in the evening on Monday in the vicinity of the Curlew FPSO, which is located approximately 130 miles south-east of Aberdeen.

“A release of gas was detected several hundred metres away from the FPSO at approximately 11pm.

“All personnel are safe and accounted for, but as a precaution we are preparing to carry out a down-man of non-essential personnel while we carry out further investigations.”

A total of 36 essential staff will have to remain on the vessel while investigations are carried out.

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