Shell’s Curlew FPSO on Alert After Subsea Gas Leak Detected

By Rob Almeida On January 21, 2015

 

Maersk Curlew FPSO, image: Maersk

Shell UK says there are no plans to evacuate the Curlew FPSO after a gas leak was detected late Monday night.  In an emailed statement, Shell says a release of natural gas originated from the subsea infrastructure located in the vicinity of the floating production facility moored 130 miles south east of Aberdeen.  The FPSO is connected to the Fulmar Gas Line which exports gas to the St Fergus terminal in Aberdeenshire.

Divers from the Dive Support Vessel (DSV) Bibby Polaris are currently in the process of isolating the leaking infrastructure from the Fulmar pipeline, according to Shell.

Bibby Polaris, image (c) Ronnie Robertson/marinetraffic.com

Utilizing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed from the subsea construction vessel Normand Subsea, a detailed investigation of the isolated infrastructure, adjacent to Curlew, will soon be underway.

“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,” says Shell.