The North Sea’s main oil and gas pipeline system, the Forties Pipeline System (FPS), has shut down for the second time in two months, the owner and operator Ineos confirmed late on Wednesday.
One of the feed control valves at the pipeline’s Kinniel facility shut down automatically on Wednesday morning in line with the automated safety system that operated as intended to safely close the main pipeline system, according to Ineos’ statement.
“We have now identified the issue that caused this and are hoping to resolve it this evening,' Ineos said Wednesday evening, adding that it plans to start-up again overnight.
The pipeline was previously shut in mid-December for about three weeks to carry out repairs after the discovery of a hairline crack in the pipe at Red Moss near Netherley, just south of Aberdeen.
The pipeline system delivers around 450,000 barrels of oil per day.
Previously in April 2017, BP announced its agreement to sell the pipeline interests and facilities to Ineos. The transition was completed on Oct. 31, 2017.
By Firdevs Yuksel
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr