UK – Supply Vessel Hits North Sea Platform

(Stock Photo) HOUSTON — Apache Corp. says a supply vessel ran into its Forties Echo platform in the North Sea Monday morning, but the incident didn’t result in injuries or a spill.

The 30 workers aboard the platform are all accounted for and none of them were hurt, Apache said. The company is now moving non-essential personnel away from the structure. Fifteen workers remain with the Forties Echo, and 15 were transferred to another nearby platform.

The platform was operating in the Forties oil field, located about 110 miles northeast of Aberdeen in the U.K. portion of the North Sea.

Apache said after the supply vessel made contact with the platform, the platform activated its emergency procedures. Apache said the platform has been shut down but there hasn’t been any leak of oil or gas. It’s unclear when production will resume.

Company officials have already conducted an initial inspection of the platform from a nearby vessel, and they’re assembling a specialized inspection team to assess the damage.

“Apache’s onshore response team has been mobilized and all relevant authorities and contractors are being advised,” the company said in a statement. “Apache’s priority is to work with the authorities to ensure the safety of all platform personnel.”