Shell’s Prelude FLNG facility shut down operations after a fire started in an electrical utility on December 2.
The facility accommodates about 200 people, with a Shell spokesperson stating that only the essential crew remained aboard.
At the same time, non-essential workers were continuing to be evacuated while work was done to restore main power.
The main power was tripped shortly after the fire, and Shell noted that the smoke triggered the automatic fire detection and management systems, which allowed staff to contain the situation.
Luckily, all workers on the facility are safe and accounted for, but the cause of the electrical fire is unknown.
Currently, an investigation has been launched by Shell, and the National Offshore Petroleum Safety, while the Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) has been informed.
Shell had experienced a similar incident in 2020, when the facility was shut down for 11 months.
The initial shutdown was also related to electrical issues and operations only resumed in February 2021, after an “electrical trip” and three incidents NOPSEMA described as “dangerous occurrences”.
