The vessel on the Foinaven field, operated by BP, is set for a “significant” shutdown so that a number of safety issues can be resolved.
Energy Voice reported last month that the Health and Safety Executive had identified cracks in the hull of Petrojarl Foinaven, whose duty holder is Altera Infrastructure.
Inspectors questioned the “residual strength of the hull”, stating Altera did not demonstrate it was “sufficient to operate the installation at its current location”, around 118 miles west of Shetland.
The watchdog also identified “defects” with the mooring winch brake system, required to hold the FPSO in position.
Trade union bosses said the trio of issues should give rise to “serious concern”.
Altera was given until April 30 to take action on the hull cracks and mooring brake winch issues, and until June 30 for compliance on the ballast tank problem.
At the time, Altera, headquartered in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, said it would comply with the notices “within the due dates”.
Vessel owner Teekay said the FPSO is on a bareboat charter to BP, under which Teekay is not responsible for any ongoing maintenance.
Yesterday, a spokeswoman for Altera said the company remained focused on safe operations on its own assets and those of third parties.
She added: “We have a significant TAR shutdown planned for Petrojarl Foinaven commencing in the second quarter of 2021, during which various planned workscopes will be completed; including those required to comply with the notices within the set due dates.
“Altera maintains an open and transparent dialogue with the UK regulators and our client BP.”
The FPSO has been on site since first oil from the field in 1997.
There have been a number of incidents involving the vessel, including separate gas and propane leaks in 2018.
BP last year signed a new deal, extending the vessel’s time there by up to another decade.
Recommended for you
