Shell UK has been fined £560,000 for failing to maintain ageing pipework on its Brent Charlie offshore platform.
The oversight which had led to a major leak and posed as a potentially catastrophic fire and explosion risk.
Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard that the corroded pipework, which had been installed for short-term use and scheduled for removal in 2010, remained in place for seven additional years without proper maintenance.
In May 2017, the deterioration caused a significant uncontrolled release involving 200kg of gas and 1,550kg of crude oil, creating a highly flammable and explosive mixture. More than 170 workers on the platform were put at risk.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that failures in Shell’s safety management system contributed to the incident.
Ventilation fans meant to mitigate hydrocarbon leaks were also found to be poorly maintained and did not operate effectively during the release.
Production was halted and 31 non-essential personnel were evacuated as emergency teams acted quickly to prevent the situation from escalating.
HSE noted that their response helped avert a possible disaster.
The release, which occurred inside Column 4 of the platform, was the largest uncontrolled hydrocarbon escape reported on the UK Continental Shelf that year.
Shell UK Limited pleaded guilty to two offences under offshore fire, explosion, and emergency response regulations.
HSE inspector Dozie Azubike said it was fortunate no one was inside the confined space when the leak occurred, noting the risk of asphyxiation and ignition.
Shell said it followed emergency procedures immediately and has since implemented measures to prevent a recurrence.
