C-NLOPB suspends operations on Husky Energy's SeaRose production vessel

Board orders halt to all petroleum-related operations on FPSO after investigation into 2017 near miss by iceberg at White Rose oilfield off N.L. coast

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NOLPB) has suspended all “petroleum-related operations” aboard Husky’s SeaRose FPSO.

The suspension stems from a near miss with an iceberg late last March when the Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel was housing 84 personnel and storing upwards of 340,000 barrels of oil, more than a third of its capacity.

The berg ended up passing by with more than 180 metres between it and the SeaRose installations. There were no injuries and no damages to the facility or environment.

Iceberg has near-miss with Sea Rose FPSO off Newfoundland

Following completion of the C-NOLPB’s formal enquiry into the incident, launched in May of last year, it was determined that Husky, its onshore management, its offshore installation manager and its senior management had not followed its ice management plan (IMP) as set out in its operations authorization.

“These findings have been shared with Husky and speak to the C-NLOPB’s concerns with the Operator’s adherence to its emergency response plans,” a press release from the C-NLOPB reads.

“The C-NLOPB lacks full confidence that appropriate action will be taken by the Operator during an emergency situation.”

The C-NLOPB says operations will remain suspended until such time that it is confident that Husky has taken corrective measures to ensure the IMP is followed in the future.

A statement from Husky on the situation is expected later today.