Star Energy evacuates staff from Energy Enhance rig

Oct. 20, 2008
Star Energy has evacuated 34 nonessential staff members from the Energy Enhancer jack up drilling rig in the UK North Sea after a small fire broke out in the ventilation system.

Uchenna Izundu
International Editor

LONDON, Oct. 20 -- Star Energy PLC has evacuated 34 nonessential staff members from the Energy Enhancer jack up drilling rig in the UK North Sea after a small fire broke out in the ventilation system and affected the accommodation area.

The staff were taken to the standby vessel and transported to shore. However, 45 essential personnel remain on board.

"The fire has been dealt with and now an inspection of the electrical systems on the rig is being carried out to check for damage and to try and establish the cause of the fire," said EnCore Oil, a partner in the well.

The Esmond evaluation well, on Block 43/13a, is 10 m above the reservoir, and drilling is expected to restart after essential safety checks are carried out.

Esmond was spudded in September and is expected to confirm that the underlying reservoir pressure has not risen much since the field was depleted and abandoned.

Star Energy is operating the well, holds a 50% interest in it, and is paying the full drilling cost. EnCore has a 50% interest.

Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].