Gas company fined £560,000 after hydrocarbon release
Thursday 11th December 2025
A large offshore gas company has been fined £560,000 for failing to maintain pipework on a platform within their oil and gas field.
The pipework had deteriorated so significantly that the hydrocarbon fluids it contained were released, forming an explosive, flammable mixture. The ventilation fans designed to mitigate the effect of any escaped hydrocarbon gasses also were not maintained leading to the release of 200kg of gas and 1,550kg of crude oil from the pipework.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had failed to maintain the pipework for several years, and that there were deficiencies in the safety management by the gas company. The pipework was installed temporarily and was due to be removed in 2010 but remained in place for seven years.
The company pleaded guilty to two charges under the Offshore Installations (Prevention of Fire and Explosion, and Emergency Response) Regulations 1995 (PFEER).