Assisted by the Civil Aviation Authority Norway, the Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) has carried out an audit of helideck and helicopter operations at three facilities in the Ekofisk area, in the North Sea.

From 15 to 18 September 2014, the PSA, with assistance from the Civil Aviation Authority Norway, carried out an audit of helicopter deck and helicopter operations at the Eldfisk 2/7-B, Embla 2/7-B and Eldfisk 2/7S facilities operated by ConocoPhillips.

Section 70 of the Facilities Regulations requires that helicopter decks are designed and equipped so as to fulfil the requirements of CAA Norway’s Regulation governing continental shelf operations – commercial air traffic to and from helidecks on offshore installations and vessels.

With regard to safety matters concerning helidecks and helicopter operations at the facilities, the PSA utilises the specialist expertise of CAA Norway. According to the PSA’s statement, an agreement has been signed by the PSA and CAA Norway regarding such assistance.

The purpose of the audit was to contribute to the prevention of air accidents associated with helicopter decks or their operation.

On behalf of the PSA, CAA Norway will follow up on how ConocoPhillips deals with the observed conditions, PSA said.

The Ekofisk Complex comprises all installations which are connected with bridges on the central Ekofisk field. As of 2014, this includes nine platforms and bridge supports. The newest platforms are the wellhead platform 2/4 Z and the field centre and accommodation platform 2/4 L which were installed in 2013.

Source - www.offshoreenergytoday.com

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