Engie E&P has resumed production at its Gjøa-platform in the North Sea following extensive inspection and start-up work, due to a gas leak on 21 June.
Gjøa. Image from Engie. |
Gjøa will gradually increase production back to its normal level shortly after start-up, says Engie.
Oil and gas production of Gjøa is at some 30,000 b/d, with the Vega satellite at some 19 MMcm/d. Gjøa is situated West of Florø on the West coast of Norway, and contains an estimated 40 Bcm of gas reserves.
According to the company, the direct cause of the leak was a crack in a weld of a 0.5in pipe associated with a condensate pump. Inspections have revealed welding deficiencies in the pump where the leak occurred and in six other condensate pumps. This issue has now been addressed and the pumps are back in service.
In connection with the shutdown caused by the leak, Engie says the company has identified incorrect functioning on some valves in the emergency shutdown system. These malfunctions have now been rectified, confirms Engie.
Norway’s Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) has launched an investigation of the Gjoa leak last month, and Engie says it is also conducting its own internal probe.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
Engie E&P Norge is the operator of Gjoa with 30% stake. Partners include Norske Shell (12%), DEA Norge (8%), Petoro (30%), and Wintershall Norge (20%).
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