Uchenna Izundu
International Editor
LONDON, Aug. 3 -- Oil and gas production from the BP-operated Central Area Transmission System pipeline in the UK North Sea is expected to resume in September after repairs to damage that has been found to be extensive (OGJ Online, July 27, 2007).
Divers checked the pipeline after a large vessel dragged its anchor across it and damaged the protective concrete coating.
BP will need to make permanent repairs before the pipeline can restart operations. "A metal sleeve will be installed to strengthen and protect the affected area of pipeline," it said, adding that it has begun design and fabrication of the sleeve.
BP has shut in 50,000 boe/d of production because of the incident, and production from other operators of nearby oil and gas fields has been affected. BG Group is losing 80,000 boe/d from the pipeline, which carries up to one fifth of the UK's gas supply.
The 36-in., 408-km CATS line links a riser platform adjacent to the North Everest development in the Central North Sea with the gas processing terminal at Teesside, UK.
Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].