Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
Scotland Construction Directory
Search our 14,699 companies....

Construction News

12/12/2017

North Sea Forties Pipeline System To Shut For Repairs

Construction News Image
A major pipeline system in the North Sea is to be closed for repair works.

Ineos, which recently purchased the Forties Pipeline System (FPS), said contractors discovered a "small hairline crack" crack in the pipe at Red Moss near Netherley during routine inspections last week.

Despite repair and containment efforts, the company said it has decided a controlled shutdown of the pipeline "is the safest way to proceed".

The Forties pipeline carries crude North Sea oil across land for processing at Grangemouth, supplying around 40% of the UK's North Sea oil and gas production.

In a statement, Ineos said: "Last week during a routine inspection INEOS contractors discovered a small hairline crack in the pipe at Red Moss near Netherley, just south of Aberdeen.
-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd



"A repair and oil spill response team was mobilised on Wednesday, December 6, after a very small amount of oil seepage was reported.  Measures to contain the seepage were put in place, no oil has been detected entering the environment and the pipe has been continuously monitored.

"A 300 metre cordon was set-up and a small number of local residents were placed in temporary accommodation as precautionary measure. The pipeline pressure was reduced while a full assessment of the situation was made.

"Despite reducing the pressure the crack has extended, and as a consequence the Incident Management Team has now decided that a controlled shutdown of the pipeline is the safest way to proceed. This will allow for a suitable repair method to be worked up based on the latest inspection data, while reducing the risk of injury to staff and the environment.

"As always, safety remains our top priority and local residents, FPS users and other stakeholders are all being kept fully informed of the situation as it develops."

Deirdre Michie, Chief Executive of Oil & Gas UK, said: "We have been in touch with Ineos and are closely monitoring the situation and hope this can be resolved safely and as quickly as possible."

(LM)

Latest Construction News

15/04/2025
Construction of a £70 million student accommodation development at 292-298 St Vincent Street in Glasgow has reached a significant milestone, with the building now visibly rising from the ground. Drone footage has captured the progress of the project, which is a partnership between developer Artisa
15/04/2025
Energy regulator Ofgem is expected to confirm today (April 15) its finalised Connections Reform process, designed to expedite grid connections for renewable energy projects that are ready and crucial for achieving the UK's clean power targets for 2030 and beyond. The new connections system, anticip
15/04/2025
The ambitious transformation of Glasgow’s landmark George Square has moved into a tangible phase with the commencement of the erection of hoardings around the perimeter of the civic space. Starting today, the hoardings will enclose the Square for the duration of its 18-month redevelopment. The pane
15/04/2025
Members of the public are invited to attend a consultation feedback event to discuss the proposed infrastructure associated with a new underground electricity transmission cable between the Kinardochy and Errochty substations in Perthshire. The event will take place on Monday, 28 April, from 4 pm t
15/04/2025
Turner & Townsend have been appointed as project managers to develop a business case for the potential extension of the Borders Railway beyond its current terminus at Tweedbank to Hawick and Carlisle. This key appointment will enable crucial work to progress on the project, including feasibility s
15/04/2025
Arran Community Renewables, a Community Benefit Society based on the Isle of Arran, has secured planning consent for a 6 MW solar farm. The Glenkiln Solar Farm, located approximately 1km west of Lamlash, is projected to generate 5,600MWh of clean renewable energy annually from 2027. The £5 million
15/04/2025
A new Route Map has been published by the Scottish Land Commission (SLC) to ensure communities across Scotland secure tangible and long-lasting benefits from nature restoration projects and investment in the country's natural environment. The practical guide is designed for landowners, developers,
15/04/2025
Award-winning principal contractor Procast Group has further expanded its presence across Scotland with the opening of a new base in Dumfries. The Hamilton-based firm has invested £30,000 in a new warehouse and office facility in the Maxwelltown Industrial Estate in Dumfries and Galloway, marking it
14/04/2025
Glasgow City Council's Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) facilitated the completion of over 1,000 new affordable homes in the city during the past year, despite facing budgetary reductions at the start of the financial year. The initial grant of £78.687 million from the Scottish Government
14/04/2025
A key phase of Scottish Water's £11.5 million project to upgrade a strategic rising sewer main connecting Renfrew and Glasgow is set to begin, resulting in a significant road closure. From Monday, 28 April 2025, Ferry Road in Renfrew will be closed to all vehicular traffic for a period of four mont
Morris & Spottiswood LtdRBT Underfloor LimitedA.G.S Steel Erectors LtdRobinsons GroupCrown Street Lighting LtdArdent Consulting EngineersPlanning HandbookDryburgh Associates LimitedWindow StoreRD Joinery Services