PSA initiates investigation following Scarabeo 8 keening incident

A stability incident on the Scarabeo 8 earlier this month has prompted an investigation into management of capacity and competence by rig owner Saipem.

The Norway's Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) has followed up initial findings following the incident on the mobile semi-submersible drilling facility on September 4th.

Saipem SpA Norwegian Branch is conducting exploratory drilling for Eni Norge in the Barents Sea 7220/10 well.

During one procedure, the Scarabeo 8 suffered an unintentional filling of the ballast tank, resulting in the submersible suffering a 5.7 degree list.

Although the situation was normalised within an hour, the incident triggered an alarm and the mustering of personnel, of which there were 140 on board at the time.

Italian company Eni said the incident occurred because seawater entered the ballast water tank, which was subsequently emptied. Eni said no-one had been injured.

The Italian firm also employed its safety procedures, summoning the company's emergency response teams and mobile air resources.

Although no personal safety or major accident risk occurred, the PSA says it has taken a serious view of the incident.

Initial findings suggest the incorrect operations of equipment caused the problem.

Saipem and Eni's operations have been more closely monitored by PSA in the wake of the incident and prompted a meeting between the regulator and the companies in September 10th.

The meeting was intended to glean further information about the course of events leading up to the issue occurring.

In a statement, the PSA said: "Based on the information that emerged in this meeting, the PSA has now decided to initiate an investigation of the incident. The investigation will focus on Saipem's management of capacity and competence."

Prior to its deployment in the Barents Sea, the authority made several demands to improve the Scarabeo 8 to secure its safety.

The PSA indicated at the time that rigs operating in Barents during the winter season need to be reinforced for arctic conditions, which was duly carried out by Eni.