These pictures show the continued work underway to repair the crack in the Forties pipeline.
The crack and subsequent leak has caused widespread disruption since its discovery two weeks ago.
While there have been North Sea shutdowns in production, there is also the concern about shipments and stocks getting to where they need to be.
The 235-mile pipeline system links more than 80 North Sea field to the UK mainland and the Ineos site in Grangemouth, delivering almost 40% of the UK’s North Sea production.
The petrochemicals giant said late last week that it had lowered the pressure in the pipeline after identifying the hairline fracture, but did not have to shut it down.
A number of residents were evacuated from their homes, a road was closed and a cordon was set up after the discovery was made.
On Monday, Ineos said the crack had got bigger, forcing it into a controlled shutdown.
Apache, BP, Shell and Total have all shut down production from fields served by the Forties system.
Nexen confirmed yesterday that it has turned off the taps at Buzzard, the UK’s biggest producing field.
Serica Energy lowered its 2017 output guidance from the Erskine field to 2,000 barrels of oil per day, down from a range of 2,200-2,400 barrels previously. Photos courtesy of Alan Stewart of Cabro Aviation.
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