Husky allowed to resume SeaRose FPSO operations

Husky Energy’s suspension of petroleum-related operations at the SeaRose FPSO offshore Canada has been lifted.

The suspension was put in place by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) earlier in January in response to preliminary report findings on last year’s near miss incident when an iceberg. C-NLOPB had found the oil company had not followed its Ice Management Plan.

However,  C-NLOPB on Friday said it withdrew the suspension operating pursuant to Husky Oil Operations Limited’s (Husky’s) Operations Authorization (OA).

“Husky may recommence these operations in a safe, controlled and environmentally prudent manner,” the petroleum regulator said.

The SeaRose FPSO is located in the White Rose Field, approximately 350 km east of St. John’s.

According to C-NLOPB, actions taken by Husky in response to the preliminary report findings from the enquiry include: a comprehensive review of their ice management and emergency response plans with improvements made and implemented; the completion of an emergency response drill, observed by the C-NLOPB, industry partners and the offshore facility’s certifying authority; significant organizational changes including the appointment of Trevor Pritchard as Senior Vice President, Atlantic Region; and changes communicated to onshore and offshore employees with an emphasis on the importance of following procedure

“The safety culture of an organization influences the decisions and actions of the people within that organization. The C-NLOPB’s Chief Safety Officer and Chief Conservation Officer are satisfied that Husky has taken appropriate action to address the deficiencies that were identified within the safety culture of their organization,” the regulator added.

Despite lifting the suspension, the C-NLOPB’s inquiry remains open. The regulator will continue to monitor the implementation of these changes, to ensure operations resume and continue in a manner that demonstrates that Husky places the safety of workers and protection of the environment as their top priority.