SeaRose FPSO has close brush with iceberg in Newfoundland offshore

Husky Energy is keeping an eye on ice floes off the coast of Newfoundland after an iceberg made a close pass nearthe SeaRose FPSOWednesdaymorning.

SeaRoseFPSOis afloating production, storage and offloadingvessel located in theWhite Roseoil and gas field, approximately 350 kilometres east-southeast of the Avalon Peninsula.

Despite reports that the iceberg hadpassedwithin metres of theSeaRose,Husky told CBC that it was actually further away, but still close enough to take precautions.

Specific measures taken

Husky said while dealing with sea ice and icebergs is a yearly realityin the offshore, specific measures were taken in this case to ensure the SeaRose wasn't damaged on Thursday.

That includes shutting in, or reducing, production atthe facility and flushing the flowlines with seawater. Steps were also taken to ensure the SeaRose could disconnect in minimal time, if required.

A spokesperson said the companyhas deployed additional vessels to the area givenincreased sea ice and iceberg activity since last weekend.

Husky previously halted drilling operations at a well site northwest of the main White Rose field, and hassince taken the drilling rig Henry Goodrich under tow.

It will hold position in an ice free areaand the company will make a decision on returning it to drilling operations once weather conditions permit.

Husky said the SeaRose FPSO remains on location at the White Rose field.