The Norwegian offshore industry safety body has initiated an inquiry into an incident on the OKEA-operated Brage platform, offshore Norway, on November 21, 2023, where an individual was struck by a valve block.

The Petroleum Safety Authority of Norway (PSA) disclosed that the occurrence transpired during a planned maintenance operation on a well that had been deactivated. As part of the depressurization process, the valve block dislodged and struck an individual in the face, resulting in injuries. The injured party was promptly transported to Haukeland Hospital for further medical attention.

Expressing its grave concern, the PSA emphasized the seriousness of the incident, prompting its decision to conduct a thorough investigation. A team of specialists from the PSA has commenced the investigative process.

Situated in the North Sea, 125 kilometers west of Bergen, Brage is a productive oil field with a water depth of 137 meters. Discovered in 1980, the plan for development and operation (PDO) of Brage was sanctioned in 1990, and production commenced in 1993.

Brage is designed as a fixed integrated facility, incorporating production, drilling, and accommodation capabilities, all supported by a robust steel jacket structure. OKEA is the operator of the field, with other partners including Vår Energi (which recently decided to exit the partnership), Lime Petroleum, DNO Norge, and M Vest Energy AS.