North Sea Storm Threat Halts Production

Oil majors BP and ConocoPhillips are shutting down their North Sea platforms due to an approaching storm.

US-based company ConocoPhilips is expected to shut down five platforms at its Ekofisk field which produces 140,000 barrels per day (bpd).

Yesterday, BP shut its 80,000 bpd Valhall oilfield overnight, BP Norge spokesperson Jan Erik Geirmo told Reuters.

The Norwegian Meteorological Institute expects winds to peak at above 100km/h during the storm before easing on Friday.

Other operators in the region, including France's Total and US major Chevron, have not announced any changes to operations.

Both companies expect to resume production by the end of the week.

By staff writer