Workers have been evacuated from the Ninian Southern platform in the UK North Sea ahead of a storm.
According to the UK media, the operator CNR International is removing 69 of 159 offshore workers from the platform as the Storm Caroline, which is expected to bring gales to Scotland on Thursday, approaches.
The platform is located 240 miles from Aberdeen. Offshore Energy Today has reached out to CNR International, seeking more info.
A CNR International spokesperson said:”CNR International (UK) Limited advises that, due to an adverse weather forecast during the coming days, it has commenced a precautionary down-man of non-essential personnel from its Ninian Southern platform. This is in accordance with existing procedures developed to safely manage the structural integrity of the Ninian Southern jacket.
“CNR International has been carrying out remedial work on the platform’s jacket structure and assurance activities are ongoing to confirm their effectiveness. There are storm conditions forecast for the coming weekend, therefore, in order to ensure the safety of all personnel on board, the company has taken the decision to partially down-man Ninian Southern as a precaution. The safety of the personnel on board the platform is of paramount importance for the company.”
“There are currently 90 personnel remaining on board and no other installations are affected,” the spokesperson added.
Severe weather warning
The UK Met Office has released a severe weather warning for northern and western Scotland on Thursday morning, with wind gusts of 60-70mph expected widely across the warning area and up to 80mph in the more exposed north-facing coastal locations.
The Yellow warning area which extends from 8am on Thursday until midnight includes most of the Western Isles, the Northern Isles and the majority of mainland Scotland from Oban to Aberdeen.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: “The strongest winds will reach the northwest of Scotland early on Thursday, extending to Northeast Scotland and the Northern Isles in the afternoon. During Thursday winds will start to ease in the west with the strongest of the winds becoming confined to the Northern Isles in the evening.”
The strong winds may affect Scotland’s road, rail, air and ferry services, and longer journey times and cancellation of services are possible. As with any period of strong winds, there may be some short-term loss of power and effects on other services. In addition, it is likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves, Met Office.
The article has been updated to include a statement by CNR International
Offshore Energy Today Staff