Noble-Interceptor

On Feb 9, 2019, the British f/v "Amadeus", 258 gt (IMO: 9040675) lost engine power and drifted towards the "Maersk Interceptor", ,which was working in the Hod field for Aker BP in pos. 56° 10.18' N 003° 26.05' E. The rig had to stop the ongoing wireline operation and withdrew from the well. A full patch was started as the fishing vessel approached. The "Stril Mermaid" and "Skandi Marøy" were sent to fishing vessel to take it in tow and ensure it did not enter the safety zone and further threatened the facility. The fishing vessel finally passed 0.35 nautical miles north of the rig which corresponds to just over 600 meters. Then it drifted towards Hod. Soon after, the "Skandi Marøy" managed to establish a towing connection and pulled the fishing vessel in north-east direction and in good clearance from Hod.

The PSA’s investigation of the fatal accident of 7 December 2017 on Maersk Interceptor has identified serious shortcomings in systems and processes for materials handling. Maersk Drilling Norge has accordingly been given notice of an order. This serious accident on the unit occurred during the installation of a new seawater pump. One person fell into the sea and was killed, while another suffered serious injuries. Maersk Interceptor is currently engaged in well work on the Tambar field in the North Sea, where Aker BP is the operator. As part of its investigation of the incident, the PSA was on board the unit from 9-13 December 2017.

Aker BP has reopened production at the Tambar Oil field on the coast of Norway on Dec 12. The production was shut down on the Dec 7 as a result of the accident aboard the "Maersk Interceptor" which cost one man his life while another man was injured during maintenance work at the jackup rig. The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway and the police were investigating the accident. Aker BP and Maersk Drilling also have their own investigation going on. Regarding production on the jackup rig, Aker BP will gradually resume to working well service activities and handle other tasks that do not interfere with the investigation of the accident at the "Maersk’s Interceptor". As part of this being done, production at the Tambar oil field has been re-opened.