Offshore staff

SANDNES, Norway – Saipem’s semisubmersible Scarabeo 8 shifted 5.7° loopside toward starboard earlier this week, but has since been restored to its normal position.

The rig was drilling exploration well 7220/10-1 for Eni Norge on the Salina prospect in license PL 533 in the Barents Sea.

According to Eni, the shift arose as seawater entered the ballast water tank. The latter has since been emptied and the situation is under control.

The well is secured, none of the 140 personnel onboard the rig were hurt, and drilling operations have resumed. However, the incident will be investigated.

Eni Norge notified the Norwegian authorities, set in motion its emergency preparedness organization, and mobilized air and ship resources in the area. These are currently demobilizing.

9/6/2012