The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) has issued Saipem SpA Norwegian Branch (Saipem) a notification of order following investigation of the stability incident on the semi-submersible “Scarabeo 8” drilling facility on 4 September 2012. The investigation proved serious breaches of the regulations.

On 4 September, the Scarabeo 8 semi-submersible drilling facility experienced unintentional heeling in connection with exploration drilling for Eni Norge on well 7220/10 in the Barents Sea.

The heeling reached approximately 7 degrees over the course of the incident. The incident is considered serious, but had no serious consequences as regards harm to people, the environment and assets.

The PSA decided to investigate the incident, focusing on Saipem’s management and securing of staffing and expertise, as well as relevant functions and systems in Saipem’s onshore organisation.

Tags: Petroleum Safety Authority, Saipem