BP Evacuates Personnel from Valhall Platform after Fire Erupts

- BP Evacuates Personnel from Valhall Platform after Fire Erupts

Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Rigzone Staff
by Robin Dupre

BP has evacuated personnel from its Valhall oil platform in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea after a fire erupted, stated a Reuters report.

The fire started in a compressor on the production platform in the oil field on Wednesday.

"No persons are injured and no one is missing," BP spokesman Jan Erik Geirmo told state broadcaster NRK. "We see this as a serious incident."

The company closed the field's production until further notice.

The Valhall oil field lies in the Norwegian North Sea on Blocks 2/8 and 2/11 in 230 feet (70 meters) of water. Hess currently owns 64% of the Valhall field, while BP holds the remaining 36%.

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BOEMRE Deems Heater-Treater Cause of Vermilion Fire

- BOEMRE Deems Heater-Treater Cause of Vermilion Fire

Wednesday, May 25, 2011
BOEMRE

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) released the findings of its investigation into a fire that occurred Sept. 2, 2010, on Mariner Energy Inc.'s, Vermilion 380 A oil and natural gas production platform located approximately 102 miles off the coast of Louisiana.

A BOEMRE Accident Investigation Panel concluded that the fire was caused by the collapse of a fire tube located inside of the platform's Heater-Treater. The Heater-Treater, a nearly 30-year-old piece of equipment, used heat from a fire tube as well as chemicals and electricity to separate oily water emulsions into oil and water. The fire tube had been weakened over time due to a variety of factors, including heat, corrosion and pitting. Investigators also found that after the platform lost primary power because of the fire, the emergency generator failed to start and supply power to the firewater pump, leaving the 13-member crew without a firewater system to aid them in trying to fight the fire. Ultimately, the crew was forced to evacuate the platform, and all were later transported to safety.

"This report reflects a careful and comprehensive investigation by the BOEMRE Accident Investigation Panel, led by the Investigations and Review Unit," said BOEMRE Director Michael R. Bromwich. "The report underscores the need for offshore operators to maintain their equipment consistent with existing standards, to protect the safety of personnel working onboard and to protect the environment."

The investigation included interviews of the Vermilion 380 A crew, review of documentary and physical evidence, examination of equipment onboard the platform, and consultation with an expert in oil production platforms and Heater-Treaters.

In addition to its investigative findings, the BOEMRE panel recommended several Incidents of Non-Compliance be issued to Mariner Energy, Inc., which may be used as the basis for future civil penalties. BOEMRE will now consider the panel's recommendations before taking further action in this case. Production from the platform remains shut-in until BOEMRE personnel approve all safety and structural corrections.

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Fire Extinguished at Maersk's Platform Offshore Qatar

Fire Extinguished at Maersk's Platform Offshore Qatar

Thursday, April 21, 2011
Maersk Oil

At 02:46 on April 21, a fire broke out on the Maersk Oil Qatar operated AD accommodation platform in the Al Shaheen field, 80 km north of Qatar.

The fire which took place in the emergency generator room has been extinguished and the situation is under control. All employees are safe and accounted for with no serious injuries. Our primary concern remains the safety and well-being of our personnel and those affected by the situation. All non-essential personnel have been evacuated from the platform and crisis counseling made available.

The cause of the fire is unknown and an investigation is underway to establish the root cause. However, three days prior to the incident production at A-Location had been shut-down for planned maintenance work. As a result no hydrocarbons were present at the time. There has been no environmental impact as a result of the incident.

Maersk Oil Qatar operates the Al Shaheen field on behalf of Qatar Petroleum. Currently there are 1561 personnel working offshore with 242 working at A-Location.