More Covid-19 cases identified amid outbreak at Shell’s North Sea hub

The number of positive Covid-19 cases and close contacts on the Shell-operated Shearwater field in the UK North Sea has increased since last week.

As reported last week, the first case of Covid-19 on Prosafe’s Safe Zephyrus flotel, which is providing accommodation services on the Shearwater field, was identified on 30 June and, as a result, Shell evacuated 85 workers from its North Sea hub.

At the time, a total of 15 positive cases were identified and 70 others were identified as close contacts. All positive cases were flown from the North Sea to shore as well as 70 others identified as close contacts.

Several days have passed since then and Offshore Energy now understands that there have been 20 positive cases since 30 June and 98 people deemed to be close contacts. All have been flown to shore, or are isolating while waiting to return to shore. The production has not been impacted.

The Shearwater field is located in the Central North Sea, 225 kilometres east of Aberdeen. Shell will be increasing its stake in the field following the exercise of its right to the stake after BP had agreed in May 2021 to sell it to Tailwind. As a result, Shell’s interest in the field will increase to 55.5 per cent.

When it comes to the accommodation rig on the field, Prosafe’s Safe Zephyrus flotel was hired by Shell last year to provide accommodation services in support of the Shearwater platform turnaround. The terms of the agreement between the two companies have changed since the first deal was made, resulting in a revised firm duration of the contract.

Safe Zephyrus is a DP3 semi-submersible accommodation rig. With beds for 450 persons, in single man cabins, the vessel is designed for worldwide operations in the harshest offshore environments.

Another North Sea operator, Abu Dhabi-based TAQA, has also recently flown some of its workers from the North Cormorant platform to shore due to close contact with workers identified as having Covid-19 while others are self-isolating and waiting to be evacuated once the weather permits.