One of the North Sea’s largest offshore operators is facing criminal charges over an alleged oil spill.
Taqa Bratani is accused of breaching pollution-prevention regulations at its North Cormorant platform.
It is alleged that crude oil leaked into the sea over two days after the company failed to make sure equipment at the platform was working properly.
The case against the energy company called for the first time at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday, when it denied the charge.
A trial is now expected to take place in April next year.
The alleged spill is said to have happened on September 12 and 13, 2010, at the platform, which is situated about 315 miles north-east of Aberdeen. According to court papers, a valve at the platform did not close fully, allowing crude oil to be discharged into the sea.
It is further alleged that a number of alarms and level controllers that would have warned staff at the installation about the problem were not working properly.
An oil-recovery pump on the platform is also said to have been underperforming at the time.
The charge against Taqa Bratani states: “As a consequence of your failure to ensure that all said equipment was functioning correctly, a quantity of crude oil was discharged into relevant waters.”
The company is alleged to have breached sections of the Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 and the Pollution Prevention Control Act 1999.
The firm, whose address was given as c/o McGrigors LLP at the Old Bailey in London, was represented by solicitor Thomas Herd at the court hearing. Mr Herd said: “This is a first hearing and my client pleads not guilty.”
Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood continued the case for a pre-trial hearing in March next year.
A trial is expected to take place from April 16 to 19.
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