The repairs on the Forties pipeline, whose shutdown after an onshore leak sent oil prices higher earlier this month, are almost complete, owner Ineos announced on Monday.

Repaired Forties pipeline undergoing tests

LONDON, December 25, 2017 – The repairs on the North Sea’s Forties pipeline, whose shutdown after an onshore leak sent oil prices higher earlier this month, are almost complete, owner Ineos announced on Monday.

“A small number of customers are now sending oil and gas through the pipeline at low rates as part of a coordinated plan that allows Ineos to carefully control the flow and pressure in the system,” the company said in a statement. “Once the pressure in the system is stable Ineos will initiate the steps necessary to start re-commissioning the Kinneil facility, which is expected to begin in the next 24 hours.”

The Forties pipeline is the largest in the North Sea, with a capacity of about 440,000 boepd of oil and gas liquids, or 40% of the North Sea’s crude output.

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