CANADA – Hibernia Platform Leak Prompting Investigation After Regulator Warns of Explosion Risk

The operator of the Hibernia offshore oil platform is continuing its investigation into a May 12 oil spill and gas leak that regulators say had the potential to cause a fatal explosion or fire.

According to the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator, the incident occurred while workers were preparing to load crude oil onto a tanker. Crew members became aware of a problem after hearing unusual noises coming from the platform’s utility shaft.

Investigators found that a drain component on a sludge pump had sheared off, releasing crude oil. Gas was also detected during the event, raising the level of risk. The leak was stopped after a worker manually closed a valve connected to the damaged pump.

Although around 1,600 litres of crude oil escaped, the regulator confirmed the spill remained fully contained on the platform, with no oil entering the ocean. No injuries were reported.

Because of the volume of hydrocarbons released, the regulator classified the event as a major hydrocarbon release. Officials noted that the circumstances could have resulted in a serious fire or explosion had the situation not been brought under control.

The regulator has requested additional information from the Hibernia Management and Development Company, which operates the platform and manages the offshore oilfield approximately 315 kilometres east of St. John’s. The company submitted the findings of its preliminary investigation to the regulator on May 27 as its review of the incident continues.

Hibernia Platform Leak Prompting Investigation After Regulator Warns of Explosion Risk