Worker dies in lifting accident at Mongstad refinery; Equinor halts operations, launches investigation, and offers support to affected colleagues.
A worker has tragically lost his life in an accident at Equinor’s Mongstad refinery, officials confirmed. The incident occurred during a lifting operation on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 13:40 CEST.
Emergency health personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Despite prompt medical attention, the worker could not be saved. The individual was employed by Crane Norway, a company that provides crane and lifting services to the refinery.
Equinor CEO Anders Opedal expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “We are profoundly affected by this tragic accident, in which a person lost his life while working for Equinor,” Opedal said. “I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues mourning the loss of a loved one. In collaboration with our supplier companies, we will provide full support to everyone affected by this accident.”
Following the accident, all non-essential operations at the Mongstad refinery have been suspended until further notice. The site of the accident has been secured and cordoned off to ensure safety and to facilitate the investigation.
On Wednesday afternoon, approximately 1,500 refinery employees attended an informational meeting about the incident. Equinor plans to hold additional gatherings on Thursday morning to update employees and provide support. Leadership teams from the supplier companies will also meet with Equinor officials to discuss the incident and coordinate next steps.
Authorities have been notified, and the police have launched an investigation into the accident. Equinor has confirmed that it will conduct its own internal review of the circumstances surrounding the incident to identify contributing factors and prevent similar events in the future.
The company confirmed that the deceased worker’s next of kin have been informed. Equinor emphasized that supporting employees and families during this difficult time remains a priority.
Equinor has a long-standing focus on safety in its operations, including at the Mongstad refinery, which handles a wide range of complex processes. Accidents of this nature are rare but are treated with the utmost seriousness. The company has pledged to cooperate fully with authorities and take all necessary measures to prevent future incidents.
“This is a reminder of the inherent risks in industrial operations,” Opedal said. “We will thoroughly review procedures, reinforce safety measures, and ensure that all employees and contractors are protected to the highest standard.”
Norway's Mongstad refinery is the country’s largest and among the most technologically advanced in Europe. Since commencing operations in 1975, it has seen extensive expansions and modernizations.
With an annual crude oil processing capacity of around 12 million tonnes, the refinery produces a diverse array of products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. The facility holds strategic importance for Norway’s oil sector, playing a key role in the nation’s economy and energy supply.
