Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC) has reported that on October 5, 2022, personnel were in the process of completing a pressure test of the high pressure manifold on the Hibernia Platform. Personnel had closed the upper diverter valve when the valve handle and gear box cap (which weighs approximately 27 kg) separated and travelled a distance of 3.9 meters.

No personnel were injured and no equipment was damaged. The location where the incident occurred was barricaded and deemed a restricted area. At the time of the incident, five authorized personnel were in the work area.

HMDC immediately ceased operations in the area and has initiated an investigation to determine the potential classification and root cause of the incident, which the C-NLOPB is monitoring. The Certifying Authority has imposed limitations on related equipment until repairs have been completed and the operator has demonstrated that related systems are fit for use. C-NLOPB Safety Officers were already scheduled to travel to the Hibernia Platform in the coming days and will follow up with HMDC to review this incident.

Media Contacts:

HMDC
Margot Bruce-O’Connell
Public and Government Affairs
(709) 746-8383
margot.p.bruce-o’connell@exxonmobil.com

C-NLOPB
Lesley Rideout
Communications Lead
(709) 725-2900
lrideout@cnlopb.ca

Incident Disclosures 2022