Offshore staff
HOUSTON -- Production at the Independence Hub natural gas platform at Mississippi Canyon block 920 has been shut-in as a result of a leak on the Independence Trail export pipeline, according to Enterprise Products Partners LP. No fire or injuries have been reported.
The leak was confirmed on Wednesday morning using an ROV. There are no indications of any environmental impact and Enterprise has notified the appropriate regulatory agencies of the situation.
Initial investigations indicate that the leak is originating from a stainless steel o-ring gasket located on the flex joint in approximately 85 ft (26 m) of water, according to Enterprise. The flex joint assembly, which connects the pipeline to the platform, allows the pipeline to withstand movements caused by the platform. Enterprise is in the process of dispatching equipment and personnel required to make the necessary repairs. The partnership currently estimates that the repairs will take one to four weeks.
04/09/2008
