Gas Leak Springs On North Sea Rig, Sheen Detected

Energy giant Total S.A. has evacuated a North Sea drilling rig and has stopped production today following a gas leak discovery. The company has confirmed that 238 workers have been moved off the Elgin platform, 150 miles east of Aberdeen. The leak, which sprung on Sunday, does not have a confirmed cause yet and is still ongoing.

A Monday surveillance flight did detect sheen on the water surrounding the platform. Britain’s Department of Energy and Climate Change stated that the sheen was caused by gas condensate – gas containing some dissolved oil. This is a lighter fuel than crude oil and its sheen is typically less harmful to the environment, as it evaporates quicker and does not stick to animals. However, this leak can still be fairly dangerous.

Total has now completely stopped production at the offshore platform which normally produces 5.5 million cubic meters of gas daily, and 67,000 barrels of gas condensate.