This piece of equipment broke off on the Gullfaks A platform following a gas leak, it has been claimed.
It comes amid further claims that the Statoil operated field is in a downward spiral due to a reduced head count and maintenance backlog.
According to Norwegian media sources the leak, of less than 0.1kg of gas, happened in May last year.
No one was injured and production did not need to be shut down.
However a subsequent investigation found the pictured corroded pipe socket – which fell off in a worker’s hand.
Norwegian authorities have raised several concerns about the Gullfaks facilities over the last year.
Statoil has been contacted for comment.