BSEE panel releases investigation report on flowline jumper failure

Offshore staff

NEW ORLEANS − The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has released its panel investigation report on a July 24, 2020, incident that resulted in the release of approximately 479 barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

The incident occurred on the Katmai Field Well #1, operated by Fieldwood Energy, LLC. The well is located in about 2,082 feet of water on Green Canyon Area block 40, approximately 140 miles offshore Louisiana.

BSEE says that a panel consisting of subject matter experts, engineers, inspectors, and specialized investigators conducted its investigation to determine the probable causes and contributing factors that led to the leak resulting from a flowline jumper failure and fracture of four of the eight flange fasteners at a flanged connection.

The investigation found that the fractured studs were composed of a corrosion-resistant nickel-based alloy, which are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement in subsea environments. BSEE also found that, among other contributing factors, that a gap in the quality assurance/quality control process allowed for a non-compliance subsea flange faster installation.

As a result of its investigation, BSEE issued a Safety Alert that includes recommendations that operators and contractors utilize an industry-knowledgeable metallurgist to evaluate all current and future subsea fasteners to verify fasteners are fit for service and not prone to Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) or any other environmental cracking failures, share Subsea Leak Detection (SSLD) system learnings with industry, and emphasize that company, contract, and sub-contract personnel enact MOC when there are modifications associated with equipment, operating procedures, personnel changes, materials, and operating conditions.

To read more about the panel investigation, including BSEE’s recommendations, the full report can be found here.

03.11.2023