Regulatory News:
TOTAL (Paris: FP)(LSE: TTA)(NYSE: TOT)
An important advancement in stopping the leak on the G4 well on the
Elgin complex was made today (4 May) when the semi-submersible drilling
rig, the West Phoenix, moved within the current exclusion zone ready to
position itself directly alongside the complex. This dynamically
positioned rig will be the main support vessel during the forthcoming
well intervention operation and will be used to pump heavy mud into the
G4 well in order to stop the leak. Total is on track to begin the
intended well intervention operation within the coming days, subject to
continuing favourable weather.
Improved weather and the fitting of the ‘diverter’ to the leaking G4
wellhead last week enabled 8 additional flights to Elgin by teams of
experts from Total and specialist contractors.
Visits to Elgin this week have focused primarily on completing the
installation of the temporary pipe system on the Production Utilities
Quarters (PUQ) platform, linking bridge and wellhead platform. It will
be used to carry the heavy mud pumped from the West Phoenix.
The specially designed diverter had a beneficial effect on essential
preparatory works on the platform. By safely redirecting leaking gas and
condensates away from the platform, more helicopter flights to Elgin
have been possible.
In parallel, drilling of the first back-up relief well by the Sedco 714
is still progressing according to plan.
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