Norwegian energy company Equinor has completed its internal investigation into exposure incidents involving workers at Hammerfest LNG (HLNG), its liquefied natural gas plant located in Melkøya. The report concludes that the leakage of gases from monoethylene glycol (MEG) tanks, together with unfavorable weather conditions and deficiencies in the risk assessmentwere the determining factors.
Between the summer of 2024 and the summer of 2025, four events were four separate events were recorded between summer 2024 and summer 2025, four separate events were recorded in which 37 people required medical attention and nine people were absent from work after symptoms such as headaches, nausea or dizziness. While some showed no signs of exposure, the company states that no long-term consequences are expected.
What was the main cause?
The MEG tanks at HLNG are designed to release gases composed of nitrogen and water vapor, however, fluctuations in well flow and temperature variations altered the composition of the gas released, generating odors that, under certain wind conditions, descended to ground level where personnel were operating.
The company identified that the intensified activities in the L201 zone and nearby areas, together with the lack of continuous monitoring and periodic assessments of the gases released, aggravated the exposure of personnel. In addition to the technical origin of the problem, the report highlights organizational failuresThe report highlights organizational failures, such as the lack of communication and follow-up between the Snøhvit Future project team and operations at HLNG.
Corrective actions already underway
In response, Equinor has implemented a number of actions with proven positive effects, including a temporary filtration system, reinforced monitoring and new ground-level sampling routines. In addition, safety instructions for all personnel were updated and a health office was established in Melkøya.
The most recent analyses indicate that concentrations of benzene and volatile organic compounds have been low and short-lived.
Parallel investigation by Norwegian authorities
The report has been forwarded to the Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority, which is also conducting its own investigation into the facts at HLNG.
The Hammerfest LNG Hammerfest LNG is key to Equinor and the Norwegian energy future, boasting an annual production capacity of 4.6 million tons of LNG. The site is also the epicenter of the Snøhvit Future project, which includes the electrification of Melkøya, which would reduce CO₂ emissions by about 850,000 tons per year.
Source: Equinor
