The superstructure of six freefall lifeboats on Statoil’s Veslefrikk and Kristin fields is to be reinforced after defects were discovered in one of these craft during June.

Work on this programme has already begun at the supplier, Schat-Harding. All of the strengthened boats will be comprehensively tested before being returned offshore.

Three of the lifeboats are located on the Veslefrikk A and B platforms in the North Sea, and the other three have been placed on the Kristin installation in the Norwegian Sea.

“This is a serious matter for Statoil,” says Tim Dodson, acting head of the group’s Exploration & Production Norway business area.

“We’re hoping to find an early solution in cooperation with the supplier and in dialogue with the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway.

“This will allow us to resume production on Veslefrikk and continue preparations to bring Kristin on stream in a safe and secure manner.”