Grangemouth refinery operator Ineos said all restrictions on the flow of oil and gas from platforms feeding into its crucial North Sea Forties Pipeline System have been fully lifted.

Ineos said on December 11 it shut down its Forties Pipeline System, which delivers almost 40% of the UK’s North Sea oil and gas output, to repair a crack in the pipe just south of Aberdeen.

In its latest statement on repairs, Ineos said: “All restrictions on the flow of oil and gas from platforms feeding into the pipeline system have been fully lifted.

“All customers and control rooms have now been informed.

“Ineos has partially re-started the Kinneil facility.

“As soon as the plant is receiving sufficient gas from the North Sea the company will begin restarting further parts of the plant.

“There is currently increased flaring at the site as we progressively and safely start-up of the gas processing unit.

“Ineos will complete this work as quickly as possible but safety is the highest priority.

“Based on current estimates the company expects to bring the pipeline and Kinneil progressively back to normal rates around new year.”