Elgin Leak Killed

Total has announced today that the Elgin complex, which has been leaking gas since the 25th of March, has ceased leakage following a well intervention operation.

The operation, which began yesterday, used the West Phoenix semi-submersible rig to pump heavy mud into the G4 wellhead, the source of the leak, through a temporary pipeline. 

Total had expected to see a result from the intervention within days, but said today that the well intervention appeared to have already stopped the leak.

The company says it will now continue to monitor the Elgin complex to be sure that the well intervention operation remains successful.

President of Exploration & Production for Total Yves-Louis Darricarrère today welcomed the news and said that the company would continue to take lessons from the leak.

"Today, a major turning point has been achieved," he said. "Our absolute priority was to stop the gas leak safely and as quickly as possible.

"Since March 25th, we have been working closely with the authorities and we have communicated transparently and will continue to do so. We shall now fully complete the ongoing task and take into account the lessons learnt from this incident."