Dana Petroleum is to remove staff from its Triton floating production unit in the North Sea after a fire broke out yesterday.
Nobody was hurt in the incident, which happened on Monday morning when sparks and smoke were spotted coming from a generator coupling.
An investigation has now been launched into the cause of the incident, which was dealt with using a hand-held fire extinguisher.
The FPSO has been shut in for maintenance, with no production taking place at the moment, but with the fire shutting down further systems on the platform, the operator has decided to remove extra staff ashore.
“As a result of the incident a number of crew are being returned onshore during normal crew rotation tomorrow due to the loss of some platform services,” the company said in a statement.
“The relevant authorities have been informed in line with normal procedure.”
The Triton normally has a crew of around 70 workers.
A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said the incident was now under investigation.
“HSE is aware of the incident aboard the Triton yesterday which required notification to HSE under RIDDOR,” he told Energy Voice.
“It appears that the incident related to overheating of emergency generator. The unit was shutdown and fire extinguished. Dana asserts the fire was not as a result of loss of hydrocarbon containment.
“HSE will undertake initial enquiries when it meets Dana representatives later today.”
The FPSO, around 120 miles east of Aberdeen, produces oil and gas from the Bittern, Guillemot West, Clahpham, Pict and Saxon fields in the North Sea. Earlier this year it extracted its 200millionth barrel since starting operations in April 2000.
Recommended for you
