Santos Ltd. temporarily shut down its John Brookes platform in the Carnarvon Basin offshore western Australia, the Australian oil and gas major reported Nov. 29.

The temporary shutdown follows the discovery of a small gas leak in a subsea flange on the main gas trunk line from the John Brookes platform off the coast of western Australia to the Varanus Island gas processing facilities.   

Found during routine activities, the platform and pipeline were immediately shut down and personnel were pulled out as soon as the leak was observed. 

With this leak, it could take up to six weeks for the platform to return to full production, according to Santos.

The company said it is working with customers to manage supply demands until the pipeline can be fully repaired. Varanus Island will continue to produce at reduced rates and no changes to Santos’ anticipated production market are expected.