A floating production vessel working on CNR International Banff field has become the latest victim to bad weather in the UK.
The Teekay-owned Petrojarl Banff unit, based some 190km east of Aberdeen, saw two of its 10 achor lines "lose tension" at around midnight on 3 January, it has been revealed. CNR said it is now looking to establish the exact nature of the situation once both anchor lines are secured and a visual survey has been completed.
It's a repeat incident for the unit, which saw five of its 10 lines parted back in 2010, resulting in it coming off station and some US$300,000 costs as well as a lengthy shutdown period for repairs.
But, this time the unit remains on station and 44 staff on board accounted for.
Storm Frank tore through the UK and the North Sea late 2015, early 2016, resulting in a string of damage. One died and two others were injured when a wave hit the COSL Innovator semisubmersible drilling rig, working on the Troll field offshore Norway December 30.
Production was shut it at ConocoPhillips’ Eldfisk and Embla fields and BP’s Valhall fields on December 31, when a the semisubmersible barge, Eide Barge 33, which was being towed across the North Sea, started drifting near them.
ConocoPhillips has since restored production at the Eldfisk and Embla fields and BP was also due to have restored production at Valhall. Both fields are in the southern sector of the Norwegian North Sea.
Prosafe's Safe Bristolia, which was being towed to the Netherlands, broke free and was drifting, but not deemed a danger to either any facilities or those on board.
Heavy rains have continued across northeast Scotland, including Aberdeen, which is the operations centre for most UK North Sea oil fields and home to many workers in the industry. Some homes have been evacuated and roads have been closed due to flooding.
According to CNR this morning, the Petrojarl Banff remains in position under its own power. As a precaution, all production operations were shut down and CNR is working with all relevant authorities, including the Coastguard.
Teekay has mobilized the anchor handling vessel, Normand Ranger, which has arrived on site and is on standby to provide support as required. Teekay has also mobilised two further vessels to provide additional support.
Read more
Production resumes, but storm continues
1 dead, 2 injured in Troll accident
Mooring line failures attract industry attention
Image: The Banff FPSO and subsea spread. Image from Fishsafe.EU.
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