PSA Investigates Well-Control Incident on Gullfaks C

The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) has launched an investigation into a well-control incident on the Gullfaks C facility on 25 January 2023.

During a downhole operation in one of the production wells on Gullfaks C, several breaks were observed in the coiled tubing as well as a drop in wellhead pressure. The breaks have been attributed to exposure to hydrogen sulphur (H2S).

The well was shut in by activating the blowout preventer (BOP), and drilling/well operations were halted. No leakage from the well has been reported.

Equinor is operator for the Gullfaks field.

Investigation
The PSA has decided to launch its own investigation of this incident.

Its main objectives are to identify the causes of the incident and possible lessons learnt, and to share this information with the industry.

In conducting its investigation, the PSA will
clarify the course of events and the scope of the incident
assess its actual and potential consequences
assess its direct and underlying causes
identify nonconformities and improvement points related to the regulations
apply necessary enforcement powers to correct possible regulatory breaches
make public its findings
contribute to experience transfer to and learning by other players in the petroleum sector.