Following controlled shutdown of the Forties Pipeline System on Monday 11th December, INEOS engineers and technicians continue to assess the latest inspection data from the small hairline crack in the pipeline at Red Moss near Netherley, south of Aberdeen.
A number of repair options are currently being considered and progressed. At this stage, it is still too early to say how quickly the repair will take at this point but it is expected to be a matter of weeks rather than days.
For the time being, the 300 metre cordon set-up at the site remains in place. The results of the inspections will determine how long the precautionary safety cordon has to remain in place.
Safety remains our highest priority and local residents, FPS customers and other stakeholders are all being kept fully informed of the situation as it develops.
We continue to work closely with Government and other stakeholders including the local authorities to minimise the impact of the closure as far as possible on communities, our customers and the country.
We apologise to our customers and communities for the issues that this creates.
ENDS
INEOS press office: 0131 557 5252
Richard Longden (INEOS):0041 21 627 7063 or 0041 7996 26123
Mark Killick (Media Zoo): 020 7384 6980 or 07836 634449
Joseph Moss (Media Zoo): 020 7384 6980 or 07769 215374
Andrew McLachlan (Media Zoo):020 7384 6980 or 07931 377162
Notes to editors
Background timeline
- On Wednesday 6th December, routine inspection uncovered a very small amount of oil seepage from the pipeline at Red Moss, near Netherley, at approximately 10:00 hours.
- Repair and oil spill response team mobilised and sent to site to assess and monitor the situation, putting in place measures to contain the seepage and confirmed no oil had entered the environment.
- A 300 metre cordon set up around the site for public safety (standard procedure).
- C12K road between Cookney and Netherley Road closed by police to ensure public safety, and public advised to seek alternative routes.
- Local residents within the cordon area advised to temporarily relocate, with assistance offered to find alternative accommodation.
- At approximately 17:30 hours on Sunday 10th December, the throughput of the Forties Pipeline was reduced to 150mbd as the assessment and repair work continued.
- Despite reduction in pipeline pressure, crack extended and on Monday 11th December, INEOS took the decision to perform a controlled shutdown of the Forties Pipeline to enable safe conditions for fuller inspection and repair options to be assessed. Complete site shutdown completed overnight.
- As of Tuesday 12th December, small hairline crack stabilized and no further growth seen.