Coronavirus case reported on Equinor’s Martin Linge field offshore Norway

OSLO – Norwegian energy producer Equinor reported one person at the Martin Linge field in the North Sea has tested positive for the coronavirus. The person is not seriously ill.

Equinor is in dialogue with the Norwegian health authorities about further measures. The infected person has been in isolation in his cabin since March 9th. Measures to prevent further contamination for offshore installations has been introduced. It has not been decided when the person will be brought ashore.

The person arrived at the field just before noon on March 4th. The person had recently been to Austria. When Austria was listed as a high-risk destination, the person was quarantined on board and a test was conducted.

Tests have been conducted on two further persons at the field, whom have also visited high risk destinations. The results of these tests are yet not available.

The Martin Linge field is currently under construction and is planned to start production at the end of 2020. There are currently 776 persons offshore, working on the project and spread across three installations.

Medical staff on board are monitoring 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.