Spirit Energy has extended the shutdown of its onshore North Morecambe gas processing terminal for a second time, now until 11 December. This follows an investigation into a methanol leak that was identified at the terminal on 11 October.

Investigation and Operational Impact

The initial containment and cleanup were completed, and operations were expected to restart last week. However, the investigation into the cause of the leak is taking longer than anticipated, necessitating the extended shutdown.

Safety and Environmental Context

The methanol discharge occurred during a planned maintenance shutdown that began on 7 September. No personnel were injured, and no environmental damage was reported from the incident.

Facility Significance and Future

The North Morecambe terminal is a component of Spirit Energy's East Irish Sea Morecambe hub, which has been operational for 40 years. At its peak, this hub supplied approximately one-fifth of the UK's domestic gas demand. The facility is expected to remain in operation until around 2030, after which it is planned to be transitioned into a carbon store as part of the Morecambe Net Zero project.