Repsol had to close the platform "Gyda" after "absorbing finds" –
DN.no
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– This is a burgeoning discovery, says Øyvind Midttun, press contact with the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway.
At the end of May, the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority oversaw the "Gyda" platform operated by the Spanish company Repsol. Now the final report has been released, highlighting a number of gaps related to the security of the platform.
There were, among other things, severe deviations from the control of ignition. Thin sources are electrical equipment that can create sparks, causing an explosion.
– It is crucial that safety systems work and that ignition sources are disconnected in case of emergency, such as a gas leak, "Midttun says.
"Uncontrolled Explosion"
The report reveals a test of the system that revealed that ignition sources were not disconnected as they should.
– The equipment was registered both in the treatment plant and in the drilling rig that was not disconnected, the report says.
The error could have had fatal consequences.
– When there are problems with emergency shutdown and ignition sources are not disconnected, this may ultimately be the risk of uncontrolled explosions said Midttun.
Following the error, Repsol chose to close the production of "Gyda". When asked if the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority had closed the platform, Midttun replied as follows:
– This is becoming speculation, but it is clear that it is not It is not possible to operate a platform without control of ignition sources. in the southern part of the Norwegian sector in the North Sea, and has been producing oil since 1990. Since its inception, production has declined considerably.
The platform will be eliminated during the year, and all facilities related to "Gyda" will be removed. 2023.
It is estimated that it will cost $ 5.7 billion to close the platform.
This is the Spanish company Repsol that operates the platform "Gyda". The company produces about 30,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day on the Norwegian Continental Shelf
Repsol traded close to NOK 4 billion in Norway and made a profit before tax of 1.5 billion in 2017 .
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Unknown to father
Stavanger Aftenblad mentions that field production was closed earlier in June. Then Repsol said that a signal error on the security system was the reason. This also keeps the Grethe Foldnes press contact to DN.
– The Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority believes that there was an uncontrolled explosion risk. What do you think?
– We do not know this conclusion at the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway. When the signal error was revealed, the production was systematically shut down and a working group was set up to get a complete overview of the problem and take compensatory measures, writes Foldnes in a email to DN.
She declares that the production on the platform was launched on June 30
– Are you sure that you have sealed all the differences?
– Observations that Repsol perceives as serious are rectified or otherwise compensated for the operation of the facility. Specifically for ignition control, Repsol has carried out an extensive program of checking all levels of shutdown. According to Foldnes, Foldnes does not react to the loss of production of the company, but believes that it is limited.
– The signal error was unveiled just before scheduled maintenance stop.
Several discrepancies
The report also reveals other discrepancies related to the security of the platform.
"The defects were discovered in the technical state of electrical installations."
The report lists a total of 14 points of deviations relating to electrical installations. This includes damage to installations, equipment with defects and uninsulated cables.
As part of the audit, the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority also found a lack of measures to avoid dangerous and accidental situations. The report points out that there was no good routine in knowing who was responsible for electronic installations and that combustible materials were stored in parts intended for electrical installations.
Grethe Foldnes believes that the electrical installation is safe and safe to use.
– Repsol systematically works with the operation and continuous improvement of our facilities and their operation. The concrete observations that the audit revealed were addressed with both corrective actions for remediation and preventive measures as part of the work of improvement. (Terms)
