Petroleum Safety Authority Norway Petroleumstilsynet (PSA) has informed Minister of Labour and Social Inclusion Anniken Huitfeldt that there is a risk of collapse of Yme oil platform in Autumn or winter storms. In July cracks were found in the supporting structure of the Abu Dhabi built platform that has had some subcontractor work done in Norway for quite some time. PSA stated that there is no risk for a major oil spill or loss of life since personnel has been evacuated following the July discovery.
The problematic project has already led to major losses for the operator Talisman Energy (TSX: TLM, NYSE: TLM, 60%) and it has been demanding contractor, SBM Offshore (Euronext: SBMO )to finish the work or built a new one ASAP. Other license partners are Lotos LTSP.WA (WSE: LTS, 20%), Norske AEDC (a subsidiary of AOC Holdings (TYO: 5017), 10%) and Wintershall AG (a subsidiary of BASF (FWB: BAS OTCQX: BASFY), 10%).
SBMO said earlier this week that the platform is safe. It has hired risk management firm Det Norske Veritas to investigate the danger. The smallish Yme oil field in Egersund Basin, North Sea was in production for a few years operated by Statoil until 2001. The wells were then shut as low oil price at the time made the field economically unviable. Talisman has been planning to get the field producing again next year.
No comments:
Post a Comment