Qatar rig collapses

A newly built rig operated by oil and gas company Maersk Oil in the Al Shaheen field off the coast of Qatar gave way after one of the unit’s jack-up legs collapsed.

A statement made by a spokesperson at the Danish operator confirmed that there were no injuries as all personnel were safely evacuated in lifeboats following the incident. The company also confirmed that there has been no damage to facilities on the Al Shaheen field.

According to Doha-based Gulf Drilling, the collapse occurred as a result of a punch-through incident, referring to the legs of the jack-up that are driven to the ocean floor. The rig was transported to a local yard for repair. The repair could last up to several months.

Repairs, including an overhaul of the jack-up system, had recently been made on the rig’s jack-up legs after one would not elevate, according to Norwegian publication Stavanger Aftenblad.

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