The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) suspended petroleum-related operations conducted by the SeaRose FPSO vessel, operated by Husky Oil Operations Limited’s (Husky’s) Operations Authorization (OA).
This decision has been after an iceberg came too close to the SeaRose FPSO. There were 84 personnel and upwards of 340,000 barrels of crude onboard at that time.
According to Husky’s Ice Management Plan (IMP) filed with the C-NLOPB as a requirement of Husky’s OA, the SeaRose FPSO should have disconnected and sailed away from the threatening iceberg. That action was not taken and personnel were instructed to brace for impact.
The iceberg did not make contact with the SeaRose FPSO or subsea infrastructure and there were no injuries, no environmental damage and no damage to the facility.
The C-NLOPB’s Chief Safety Officer (CSO) issued a Notice of Non-Compliance to Husky for failing to comply with its IMP, along with an Order to Comply. Husky submitted its Final Investigation Report into the incident on April 27, 2017 and a formal enquiry was launched by the C-NLOPB on May 9, 2017, conducted by C-NLOPB Safety and Environmental Compliance Officers.
This decision to suspend operations was taken now because of the preliminary report findings, which found out the following:
- Husky did not follow its IMP.
- Onshore senior management did not ensure the IMP was followed.
- The Offshore Installation Manager failed to disconnect in accordance with the IMP.
“C-NLOPB lacks full confidence that appropriate action will be taken by the Operator during an emergency situation. The SeaRose FPSO’s petroleum-related operations will remain suspended until the C-NLOPB is confident that corrective and appropriate actions to address the findings related to its ice management, management system and organizational structure have been addressed to the satisfaction of the CSO and Chief Conservation Officer, in a manner that ensures the safety of personnel and the protection of the environment,” C-NLOPB informed.
