Brent pipeline shut down

ONE OF the largest oil pipeline systems in the UK has been shut down following a leak in the Cormorant Alpha platform, 100 miles north east of Shetland.

The Brent pipeline system carries around 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day from the East Shetland Basin to the Sullom Voe Terminal, which is unaffected so far. A termial spokeswoman said they were monitoring the situation.

A spokeswoman for pipeline owner’s Taqa Bratani say the leak in the Cormorant Alpha platform has now led to eight more platforms being shut down. A total of 27 oil fields are affected.

The fields can not operate without the pipeline’s pumping station, which is based at Cormorant Alpha.

The duration of the closure is not yet known.

On Monday non-essential workers were airlifted after an oil leak was discovered in one of its legs.

Scottish energy minister Fergus Ewing said: “The Scottish government, including Marine Scotland, are monitoring this situation closely.

“No release of hydrocarbons has been reported and all non essential staff on the platform have been safely removed.

“The Brent pipeline represents 6 per cent to 7 per cent of UK supplies and this does not impact security of supply at this time.

“The Health and Safety Executive are investigating and will determine when the pipeline system can be opened again subject to any relevant safety measures being put in place.”