"Good progress" on Forties pipeline
INEOS think they've repaired the crack
INEOS think the leak on the biggest North Sea oil pipeline has now been repaired.
A crack was found in the Forties pipe in Aberdeenshire earlier this month, and the shutdown has been costing the oil and gas industry an estimated ÂŁ20 million a day.
Operator INEOS are carrying out tests, and bosses think it should be ready to switch back on fully early in the new year
A statement says: "A small number of customers are now sending oil and gas through the pipeline at reduced rates as part of a coordinated plan that allows INEOS to carefully control the flow and pressure in the system.
"INEOS has partially re-started the Kinneil facility. Flows through the pipeline and Kinneil will be increased gradually as we prove the system. There is currently increased flaring at the site as we begin to progressively and safely bring the different streams on-line.
"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 early in the new year."
There is still a cordon around the site near Netherley where the cracked pipe was discovered.