Serica Energy has halted production at the Bruce platform in the UK central North Sea after finding structural damage.
(Courtesy Serica Energy)
The Bruce platform in the UK central North Sea.
Offshore staff
LONDON – Serica Energy has halted production at the Bruce platform in the UK central North Sea after finding structural damage.
The condition of an unused seawater return caisson, which had been taken out of service in 2009, was found to have deteriorated.
A subsequent underwater inspection revealed that the caisson had parted below the water line, although both the upper and lower sections remain intact.
Engineering has started to ensure the structure is correctly secured, and the program should take around two months to complete.
During this period there will be no production from the Bruce and satellite Keith and Rhum fields.
Serica chief executive Mitch Flegg said: “Although this is a frustrating event, our skilled offshore team have reacted very efficiently.
“The underwater investigation quickly determined the cause of the problem and a solution is being planned to allow the resumption of full production.”
