Gulf of Mexico Region

Pipeline Incidents – 2004 (8 Total)

January 14, 2004 – Shell Deepwater Development Inc.

Remarks: The eighth of nine anchors for the semi-submersible drilling rig, Noble Jim Thompson came in contact with Shell’s subsea Habanero No. 1 well umbilical (segment no. 14170) as the anchor was being positioned. One hydraulic flying head and two electric flying heads sustained damage. 10 bbls of HD 540 hydraulic fluid, 3 bbls of methanol, and 10 gals of corrosion inhibitor were released. The No. 1 well was shut-in at the time of the rig move and no well liquid/gas hydrocarbons were released. The No. 1 well is 64,952 feet from the GB 426, Auger host platform.

January 29, 2004 – Seneca Resources Company 

Remarks: The pipeline was slightly damaged by an anchor drag. A dive vessel was retrieving anchors prior to moving off location in 5 foot seas. During anchor recovery operations, the pipeline was snagged and a gas/condensate release occurred. The volume in the pipeline was estimated to be 23 bbls, 7 bbls of which were lost. The spill came from the tree that was damaged by the anchor drag.

16-Feb-2004 Williams Field Services Gulf Coast Co.
(Also Listed as a Fire)

Remarks: Williams Pipeline was in the process of relocating a pipeline from the jacket structure to the seafloor, so the jacket could be salvaged. During the operation hot work was being conducted. Apparently welding slag/sparks ignited tarp material and was quickly extinguished by the fire watch. Williams Pipeline reported that there were no injuries or property damage (other than the tarp material).

09-Mar-2004 – Shell Deepwater Production, Inc.        

Remarks: Preliminary reports indicate that a roustabout on a derrick barge sustained fatal injuries when he was struck by a section of pipe that fell as it was being moved from the pipe bin to the pipe preparation rack. The section of pipe fell uncontrolled to the pipe preparation rack due to a failure of the after hook on the crane hoist hook lifting device.  The USCG is investigating this incident.

May 22, 2004 – Equilon Pipeline Company LLC 

Remarks: A four gallon spill was associated with a flex joint failure.

June 5, 2004 – Anadarko E&P Company LP 

Remarks: A Pinhole leak was found in the submerged portion of the pipeline.

August 4, 2004 – Anadarko E&P Company LP

Remarks: A Pinhole leak was found in the submerged portion of the pipeline.

November 10, 2004 – W & T Offshore, Inc.
(Also Listed as a Collision)

Remarks:  A 165 foot crew boat collided with the A Platform. Navigational aids lights were flashing at the time of the collision and the platform lights were illuminated. The platform had minor damage.  The platform had 6 slots for wells and one subsea well that was tied back to the structure. The incoming pipeline and umbilical cord of the subsea well were slightly damaged but were not leaking.

Last Updated: 10/19/09, 11:52 AM