Total reports gas leak at Elgin platform in North Sea

March 26, 2012

Total E&P UK on Mar. 26 was trying to identify the source of a natural gas leak at the UK North Sea Elgin wellhead platform and to bring the leak under control, saying standby vessels in the area monitored the situation.

Paula Dittrick

“Meanwhile, a sheen on the water has been confirmed in the vicinity of the platform and Oil Spill Response Ltd. (OSRL) have been alerted,” Total said. Production was shutin, and Total said it evacuated platform crew members on Mar. 25 when the leak was noticed.

A surveillance aircraft already has flown over the area to make a preliminary assessment. At the same time, an aircraft carrying dispersant was on standby in case it should be needed.

“We are mobilizing experts from elsewhere in the Total Group to offer additional assistance and help us deal with the incident. At this stage, the precise cause of the leak remains unclear,” Total said Mar. 26.

No injuries were reported, said Total, adding it is doing everything possible to minimize any consequences of the incident.

About the Author

Paula Dittrick | Senior Staff Writer

Paula Dittrick has covered oil and gas from Houston for more than 20 years. Starting in May 2007, she developed a health, safety, and environment beat for Oil & Gas Journal. Dittrick is familiar with the industry’s financial aspects. She also monitors issues associated with carbon sequestration and renewable energy.

Dittrick joined OGJ in February 2001. Previously, she worked for Dow Jones and United Press International. She began writing about oil and gas as UPI’s West Texas bureau chief during the 1980s. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska in 1974.