GoM marine riser damage prompts investigation

Feb. 21, 2013
Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) Norway is trying to contact owners and users of H-4 risers and wellhead connectors on the Norwegian shelf, following a safety alert about the equipment issued by GE Oil & Gas.

Offshore staff

OSLO, Norway – Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) Norway is trying to contact owners and users of H-4 risers and wellhead connectors on the Norwegian shelf, following a safety alert about the equipment issued by GE Oil & Gas.

There was an incident last month in the Gulf of Mexico in which the lower part of an H-4 connector in a marine riser package (LMRP) was split from the top part because of a bolt malfunction. Early analysis suggests stress corrosion caused by hydrogen embrittlement resulted in the malfunction.

Following the safety alert from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, PSA held meetings with GE, which supplied the equipment.

2/21/2013