The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) has initiated an investigation following an incident in connection with a lifting operation on the Gullfaks A facility on 28 February 2011.
Posts Tagged ‘Gullfaks’
Lifting Accident at Gulfaks A
Posted in accidents, Norway, tagged Gullfaks, lifting, Norway, safety, safety culture on March 2, 2011| 1 Comment »
Statoil Publishes Report on Gullfaks C Incident
Posted in accidents, well control incidents, tagged Gullfaks, Norway, safety, Statoil, well control on November 8, 2010| Leave a Comment »
The incident occurred on 19 May 2010. We appreciate Statoil’s timely completion and public release of the report. The report is in Norwegian, but an English summary is provided.
What happened:
- A platform well on Gullfaks C was drilled in managed pressure drilling (MPD) mode to a total depth of 4800 meters.
- During the final circulation and hole cleaning of the reservoir section, a leak in the 13 3/8” casing resulted in loss of drilling fluid (mud) to the formation.
- The loss of back pressure led to an influx of hydrocarbons from the exposed reservoirs until solids or cuttings packed off the well by the 9 5/8” liner shoe.
- The well control operation continued for almost two months before the well barriers were reinstated.
Statoil’s near-term action items:
- Develop new acceptance criteria and best practices for MPD on Gullfaks.
- Update pressure prognoses for the field.
- Document that the shear ram is capable of cutting the drill string.
- Change the shift relief plan for the Drilling Supervisor and Toolpusher on Gullfaks C.
- Review the procedures for communication and mustering with the emergency preparedness organization.
Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE) 