Canadian Natural Resources fined £300,000 for exceeding North Sea vent limits
Canadian Natural Resources International was penalised £300,000 after it reported venting more gas than its permitted amount on the Ninian fields in the Northern North Sea.
Canadian Natural Resources International admitted that its venting on the Ninian fields surpassed the authorized 272.2 tonnes by 20.9 tonnes during the second half of 2024. The over-venting was discovered after equipment failures and weather-related issues, prompting the firm to report the exceedance to the North Sea Transition Authority on the same day it was identified. This is the second breach in a year, the first having attracted a £250,000 penalty in 2023.
The regulator expressed disappointment, while CNR International said it has bolstered monitoring to avoid future excesses. The company reaffirmed its commitment to safe operations and to supporting emission-reduction efforts in the North Sea sector.
Why it matters
The fine highlights ongoing regulatory challenges for offshore oil firms seeking to curb emissions in the North Sea.
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