Second leak in two months

A NORTH Sea platform and pipeline infrastructure were closed down for the second time in two months, when a leak was found in one of its legs on Saturday morning.

More than 70 non-essential personnel were evacuated from the Cormorant Alpha platform, 94 miles north east of Lerwick.

Operator TAQA Bratani said that no oil had been released into the sea.

A company spokesperson said: “The hydrocarbons were discovered at 09.40 hours local UK time on Saturday during maintenance work. The platform and all pipeline infrastructure were shut down as a precaution.

“TAQA personnel are addressing the situation on Cormorant Alpha and are working with partners to have the Brent pipeline system operational as soon as possible.”

A similar leak was discovered on 15 January which led to the Brent pipeline system being shut down for two days.