The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) will investigate a well incident which took place on the West Hercules mobile drilling unit, in the Barents Sea, on 16 January 2019. Equinor is operator for the exploration well, while Seadrill owns and operates West Hercules.
During the drilling operation, the lower marine riser package (LMRP) on the blowout preventer (BOP) was unintentionally disconnected and the work had to be stopped.
No injuries or environmental discharges were reported as a result of the incident, but its cause is still unknown.
The PSA has informed the police of the incident, and will provide technical support if it is requested.
In connection with its investigation, the PSA will:
- Review and clarify the course of events;
- Uncover and describe the actual and potential consequences of the incident;
- Identify direct and underlying causes;
- Clarify responsibilities;
- Apply necessary enforcement powers to correct possible breaches of the regulations;
- Make public the results of the investigation;
- Contribute to experience transfer and learning for other players in the petroleum industry.
During the drilling operation, the lower marine riser package (LMRP) on the blowout preventer (BOP) was unintentionally disconnected and the work had to be stopped.
No injuries or environmental discharges were reported as a result of the incident, but its cause is still unknown.
The PSA has informed the police of the incident, and will provide technical support if it is requested