By Nia Williams
CALGARY, Alberta, Sept 2 (Reuters) - Husky Energy Inc
HSE.TO has reported a major gas leak from subsea equipment in
an oil-producing drill center serving the White Rose field 350
kilometres off the coast of Newfoundland, regulators said on
Wednesday.
The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum
Board said the leak occurred on Aug. 31, and Husky estimates
8938 kg of natural gas was released into the sea.
The leak was shut off within 12 minutes of the first alarm
sounding, according to the regulator.
Husky spokeswoman Colleen McConnell said an inspection on
Tuesday by an underwater remote-operated vehicle showed there
was a problem with a gas lift jumper, a piece of flexible pipe
connecting some of the subsea components in the drill centre.
Gas lift is used to improve oil recovery in parts of the
field.
"We are in the early stages of our investigation, and cannot
provide a repair timeline at present," McConnell said.
Oil production is ongoing at the White Rose field, although
the gas lift has been switched off to two of the wells that were
supplied by the damaged jumper.
The provincial offshore regulator said it is reviewing the
incident.
(Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)