An environmental incident has been reported in the Norwegian North Sea. The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway, known as the PSA, has flagged what it describes as a "substantial" hydrocarbon release. The notification came from the Statfjord B platform, which is operated by the energy company Equinor. The incident was reported at around six o'clock in the evening local time on March 31.
The Norwegian Coast Guard has been dispatched to the scene. The Coast Guard vessel KV Sortland is currently en route to the platform. An emergency response team has also been activated to deal with the situation.
Equinor has stated that the situation is now under investigation. The company confirmed that all non-essential personnel on the platform are accounted for and safe. Initial estimates from the investigation suggest the leak originates from a pipeline connection on the platform.
Public reports from the area indicate a visible oil sheen on the water. Local fishing associations near the island of Karmøy have reported seeing the sheen from land. The full extent of the release and its environmental impact is not yet known.
The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway continues to monitor the situation closely. Further updates are expected as the emergency response team and the Coast Guard vessel assess the scene. The investigation into the cause of the pipeline connection failure is ongoing.