PSA Orders BP to Fix Ula P Issues (Norway)

In connection with the investigation of the hydrocarbon leak on the P platform on Ula on 12 September 2012, conditions were identified in relation to the fire and explosion protection that do not comply with the regulatory requirements. The PSA has now given BP a notification of order.

The inadequacies identified in connection with the fire protection on the P facility are related to the integrity of the main substructure and process equipment. The main structure and process equipment are not equipped with passive fire protection, which makes the consequences of a liquid fire rather unclear with regard to deformation of the structure and spread to other segments.

Deficiencies related to the integrity of the explosion partitions in the process module have also been identified.

It is the assessment of the PSA that BP has not presented measures which sufficiently correct or compensate for these nonconformities.

BP is ordered to implement immediate and specific physical measures to correct, or compensate for, insufficient compliance with the requirements related to fire and explosion protection on Ula P.

The deadline for complying with the order is 31 December 2012. The PSA also requests that BP initiate a meeting to provide the status of implementation of the work by Week 51.

The investigation on Ula P

On Wednesday, 12 September 2012, a comprehensive hydrocarbon leak took place on the Ula field.The PSA decided to investigate the incident.

The final investigation report is still not completed.

[mappress]

November 26, 2012; Image: BP