Oil Spill: Husky Energy Offshore Oil Rigs Still Shut Down
Following the Canadian oil and gas company Husky Energy has reported a spillage of 250m3, or 1,572 barrels, of oil, offshore the Canadian province of Newfoundland, production remains shut in at the SeaRose floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel with all production wells.
Husky Energy had shut in production at the White Rose field Thursday, November 15 due to operational safety concerns resulting from severe weather. The release occurred during restart procedures on Friday, November 16.
According to a press release from Husky, the company was in the process of resuming operations as conditions returned to normal operating parameters, and after safety checks were completed.
On November 19, a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) survey showed the release came from a subsea flowline connection in the White Rose field. Husky estimates 250 cubic metres (250,000 litres) of oil could have been released, an estimate based on the line’s maximum flow rate. Since the original release, no additional oil has been detected at the surface. Ongoing observation flights and sea vessel sweeps indicate the oil released Friday continues to disperse.
Operations at the White Rose field are suspended until a full inspection of all facilities is completed and Husky has received the support and approval of the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB). An investigation into the cause of this incident is underway. Husky will cooperate fully with the C-NLOPB and other regulatory authorities, to ensure government, other offshore operations, and the public are kept informed.
Husky, the C-NLOPB and Canadian Coast Guard authorities continue to monitor the oil and impact on wildlife. A wildlife rehabilitation centre is activated. Fourteen oiled sea birds have been confirmed, with three recovered and transported to the centre for treatment.
The safety of personnel and the protection of the environment remain Husky’s number one priority, said the release.
