Total fit new device to divert leaking gas from Elgin rig

SPECIAL equipment has been fitted to the wellhead on Total’s Elgin installation to divert the flow of leaking gas away from the main production platform, it was revealed yesterday.

It is now a month since the platform, 150 miles east of Aberdeen, was abandoned because of an uncontrolled gas leak from the rogue G4 well. Last week the French energy giant announced work had begun to drill the first of two planned relief wells, aimed at stemming the gas leak, a process which is expected to last at least six months.

A company spokesman said yesterday: “Further significant steps have been taken this week towards stopping the Elgin gas leak, including the installation of a key piece of equipment on the G4 well to divert leaking gas away from the wellhead platform.

“Known as a diverter, this specially manufactured device has been connected to the G4 wellhead and is now carrying the flow of leaking gas, via four flexible hoses, away from the wellhead and the platform.”