UK: Gas Release Forces Total to Evacuate Workers from Elgin Field

Yesterday, around noon, Total E&P UK evacuated non-essential personnel from the Elgin and Rowan Viking offshore facilities located some 240km off the coast of Aberdeen.

The evacuation in the central Graben area was due to a well control problem occurring on the wellhead platform at the Elgin field, resulting in a gas release at 12:15pm.

Aberdeen Coastguard coordinated the orderly evacuation of 209 non essential personnel to a place of safety.

Following the incident, all personnel were called to muster and have been accounted for. No injuries have been reported.

Kevin Brown, Watch Manager, Aberdeen Coastguard, says:

“Emergency procedures have been activated. We are working closely with Total E&P UK Limited. We have three Rescue helicopters on scene and the assistance of four civilian helicopters all aiding with the evacuation process.  Work is ongoing to control the release.”

The peak production capability for the Elgin/Franklin Field is 280,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, 175,000 barrels per day condensate and 15.5 million cubic metres of gas per day.

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Offshore Energy Today Staff, March 26, 2012; Image: Total