Husky Energy is resuming SeaRose operations, the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (CNLOPB) announced late Friday afternoon.
The CNLOPB ordered Husky Energy to suspend operations on Jan. 17 because of an incident in March 2017 when the SeaRose vessel did not discontinue oil operations and sail away after an iceberg had entered its quarter-mile exclusion zone, a violation of its Ice Management Plan.
The board announced Friday afternoon it had lifted the suspension order.
“We could have and should have responded differently according to the pre-existing plan, and have learned from this incident,” stated Husky Energy CEO Rob Peabody. “We will apply these lessons and share the learnings broadly in the region and across the company.
“Our engagement with the CNLOPB was constructive and co-operative. We share the same objective. The safety of our people and the protection of the environment is our first priority and in this case we let ourselves down.”
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The resumption of operations at the White Rose offshore oilfield came with several conditions, including a shake-up at the executive level.
Trevor Pritchard was appointed senior vice-president for the Atlantic region of Husky Energy’s operations, where he previously worked as the company’s head of safety.
Peabody says he is “pleased” that Pritchard agreed to move from his previous position leading process and occupational safety for the whole of Husky Energy “to return to a province where I know he has strong ties.”
Other actions taken by Husky in order to resume operations include making improvements to their ice management and emergency response plans, completing an emergency response drill observed by CNLOPB, industry partners and the offshore facilities certifying authority,
and communicating the importance of following procedure to onshore and offshore employees.
The CNLOPB’s chief safety officer and chief cnservation officer say they are satisfied Husky has taken appropriate action to address the deficiencies that were identified within the safety culture of their organization.
However, the CNLOPB’s enquiry remains open as it continues to monitor the implementation of these changes.
