Forties pipeline shuts down after leak (updated)

11 December:  line still operating at a reduced rate due to 'minor leak' according to Reuters.

The leak was detected 7 December, and comes after INEOS aquired the facility from BP at the end of October.

The pipeline is the largest of the five that make up the North Sea crude oil supply that sets the Brent benchmark, used worldwide oil price. Forties supplies the UK with 40% of its oil, according to an INEOS press release.

Local press reported that a major road was still closed at time of writing due to ‘urgent maintenece’ at the facility, which is located in Aberdeenshire.

Update: The Forties pipeline has been shut down for "a suitable repair method to be worked up based on the latest inspection data, while reducing the risk of injury to staff and the environment". It is not clear how long the pipeline will be inoperational.