Martin Linge field : Equinor reports novel coronavirus case on offshore platform

Equinor coronavirus case : Oil and gas giant Equinor revealed that one of its personnel at the Martin Linge field in the Norwegian North Sea has been found to have contracted the novel coronavirus.

Currently, the Martin Linge field is under construction and is targeted to begin production at the end of this year. As of now Equinor has 776 persons offshore working on the Martin Linge project, who are spread across three installations.

The oil and gas giant said that the person is not seriously ill and that it is in touch with the Norwegian health authorities about further steps to be taken.

The infected personnel has been isolated in his cabin since last week.

Equinor coronavirus case : Norwegian oil and gas giant reports novel coronavirus case on its Martin Linge platform. Photo courtesy of Jan Arne Wold / Woldcam – Equinor ASA.

Equinor said that it has introduced measures to prevent further contamination for offshore installations at the location. The Norwegian oil and gas giant said that it has not been decided when the coronavirus infected person will be moved ashore.

According to Equinor, the person arrived at the Martin Linge field on 4 March and had recently been to Austria, which at that time was listed as a high-risk destination. Following his arrival, the person in question was quarantined on board and a novel coronavirus test was carried out.

Equinor disclosed that tests have been carried out on two other persons at the Norwegian oil and gas field, who had also been to high-risk destinations. The oil and gas company said that the results of the novel coronavirus tests are yet to come.

Equinor stated: “Medical staff on board follows up all personnel and there are no additional persons with symptoms on board.

“The activity on the field will be reduced today. Personnel remains at the installations they are already located on. Equinor is continuously evaluating further measures.”