The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) has decided to investigate a well control incident which occurred on the West Hercules mobile drilling unit on 16 January 2019.

This incident occurred in connection with drilling the 7132/2-1 exploration well in the Barents Sea.

Equinor is operator for the exploration well. Seadrill owns and operates West Hercules.

During the drilling operation, the lower marine riser package (LMRP) on the blowout preventer (BOP) was unintentionally disconnected and the work therefore had to be halted. No personal injuries or environmental discharges have been reported as a result of the incident. Its cause is so far unknown.

The PSA has informed the police of the incident, and will provide them with technical support should this be requested.

In connection with its investigation, the PSA will:

• carefully review and clarify the course of events
• uncover and describe the actual and potential consequences of the incident
• identify direct and underlying causes
• clarify responsibilities
• apply necessary enforcement powers to correct possible breaches of the regulations
• make public the results of the investigation
• contribute to experience transfer and learning for other players in the petroleum industry.