Forties crude oil pipeline in process of shutting down for repairs

LONDON: The pipeline that carries the largest North Sea crude oil grade is in the process of shutting down for repairs following a leak, a spokesman for operator Ineos said on Monday.

The pipeline, which carries around 450,000 barrels per day of Forties crude from the North Sea to the Kinneil processing terminal in Scotland, had been operating at reduced capacity since December 7 when a routine inspection revealed a small leak.

It was not immediately clear how long the shutdown would remain in force.

Forties is the biggest of the five North Sea crude oil streams that underpin the dated Brent benchmark.