Oil workers stranded offshore for Christmas due to storm

Around 100 offshore oil workers will not be able to get back home in time for Christmas due to a heavy storm. 

News reports emerged saying that oil workers on BP’s platforms west of Shetland may not be making it home in time for Christmas as storm named Barbara hits Scotland with winds expected to reach up to 90 mph.

Offshore Energy Today reached out to the oil major seeking confirmation and further details about the effects of the storm on the company’s offshore facilities.

A spokesperson for BP confirmed the company is not able to run its usual crew change flights due to the sea state which is over the 6 meters threshold, as per Civil Aviation Authority regulations. The CAA bans flights where the sea state is over 6 meters.

“As a result, we expect around 100 workers will be unable to get back onshore in time for Christmas,” the spokesperson added.

The UK’s Met Office is warning that Scotland will be subjected to severe weather for the rest of this week and into next week with strong winds, heavy rain, and wintry showers all featuring.

The worst of the conditions on Friday are expected over the far north of the country and the Western and Northern Isles where an Amber, be prepared, alert is in force. The unsettled conditions are expected to remain with a further Amber alert for Storm Conor now issued for the far north on Boxing Day.

According to the Met Office, during Friday, storm Barbara will move northeastwards across the Atlantic, passing to the northwest of Scotland. South to southwesterly winds will increase during the morning, but the strongest winds will develop in the afternoon as winds turn to a westerly direction.

Offshore Energy Today Staff