Husky Energy spills hydraulic fluid into the ocean

Canadian oil and gas company Husky Energy last week spilled hydraulic fluid into the environment offshore Canada.

According to Canada-Newfoundland & Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (CNLOB), Husky Energy on July 15, 2016, reported an unauthorized discharge which resulted in the impairment of safety critical equipment on the Henry Goodrich semi-submersible drilling rig.

CNLOBP says around 1800 liters of hydraulic fluid was released to the environment during drilling operations from the Transocean-owned drilling unit.

This release in fluid caused a rapid drop in pressure which immediately activated the Blowout Preventer (BOP). The BOP functioned as intended and secured the well, CNLOPB said.

There were no injuries associated with this incident, the well is secured, and all drilling operations have been suspended. The C-NLOPB is reviewing the incident and Husky Energy is continuing to investigate, the safety watchdog added.

The Henry Goodrich drilling rig, which arrived in Canada in April, is located some 200 nautical miles east of St. John’s.