Nine North Sea gas platforms ‘closed in December’

NINE gas platforms in the southern sector of the North Sea were shut down for a month by health and safety watchdogs following a major gas leak, it has emerged.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed that oil giant ConocoPhillips was served with a prohibition notice last November following a “major gas release” at the LOGGS complex. The neighbouring Viking platforms were also shut-in after the release.

The LOGGS complex consists of five bridge-linked platforms, while the neighbouring Viking B complex has four installations.

A spokeswoman for ConocoPhillips said: “Production from the LOGGS and Viking platforms in the UK Southern North Sea was shut-in at the end of last year following a gas release on the LOGGS (Lincolnshire Offshore Gas Gathering System) complex on Friday, 30 November.

“ConocoPhillips worked closely with the HSE following the release and completed the necessary actions to ensure the continued safety and integrity of the installation and its personnel. Production was subsequently re-started at the end of December.”