Engie brings Gjoa back in production after gas leak

Engie E&P’s Gjøa platform in the North Sea is back in production after the gas leak in June.

The Gjøa gas field is situated 60 kilometers west of Florø, on the west coast of Norway. Following the gas leak on June 21, 2017, Engie as the operator of the unit shut down the production.

The production re-start follows extensive inspection and start-up work, the oil company said on Friday. Gjøa will gradually increase production back to its normal level shortly after start-up.

The direct cause of the leak was a crack in a weld of a ½” pipe associated with a condensate pump. Inspections have revealed welding deficiencies in the pump where the leak occurred and in six other condensate pumps. This issue has now been addressed and the pumps are back in service.

In connection with the shutdown caused by the leak, the company said it identified incorrect functioning on some valves in the emergency shutdown system. These malfunctions have now been rectified.

The incident is currently being investigated both internally and by the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authority.

Daily oil and gas production of Gjøa and Vega is about 30 000 barrels and 19 MSm³, respectively.

Engie has 30% interest in the field and is the operator. Its partners are Shell with 12%, Dea Norge with 8%, Petoro with 30% and Wintershall Norge with the remaining 20% interest.

The semi-submersible production unit Gjøa has full processing and export capabilities. Oil is exported to the Mongstad crude oil terminal. Export of gas ends up at the St. Fergus gas terminal in Scotland.