Norwegian oil company Aker BP has successfully restarted production at the Alvheim field in the central North Sea, overcoming unexpected downtime and an oil spill during the process. The interruption in production was caused by a malfunction in new equipment installed during maintenance activities in the previous quarter, resulting in a one-month deferral of production in the Alvheim area.

The oil spill occurred on November 29 during the startup of the production vessel following an unplanned shutdown. Approximately 51 cubic meters of oil were discharged through the produced water outlet, leaking into the sea. Aker BP promptly reported the incident to the authorities, mobilizing its emergency response organization alongside the Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies (NOFO) and the Norwegian Coastal Administration.

To address the oil spill, NOFO and the Norwegian Coastal Administration employed the mechanical degradation response measure. The propellers on the standby vessel, Esvagt Stavanger, were used to mix the oil down into the water column until it dissolved. Satellite and aerial surveillance measures were initiated, demonstrating the effectiveness of the response, with a significant reduction in the oil slick observed the next day.

The Norwegian Coastal Administration, in collaboration with NOFO and Aker BP, concluded the operation on December 1, confirming no visible oil on the sea surface in subsequent satellite images and flyovers. While an investigation into the incident is underway, Aker BP emphasized the effectiveness of the response operation and the collaboration between involved contributors. The Norwegian Coastal Administration and NOFO have not reported any environmental harm resulting from the oil spill.