WORK is ongoing 24 hours a day at the Fife Ethylene Plant to get to the source of the boiler problem which saw the production process shut down just over 10 days ago, while the Fife NGL Plant is running on a limited production basis due the FEP being out of action.

FEP manager, Jacob McAlister said today that a specialist contractor has been appointed get the steam production process back to full output.

Said Mr McAlister: "I want to provide the public with the first of a series of regular updates on progress here at FEP.

"As people will be aware, the plant is temporarily shut down and all production stopped. The plant has been ‘de-inventoried’, meaning that we are not processing gas through the process equipment.

"We have set up a dedicated team to focus on assessing the mechanical issues with our two boilers and then deliver a repair plan.

"A specialist contractor has already been appointed and we are working 24/7 to complete this work safely, and as quickly as possible".

He added: "We will communicate an updated schedule as it develops. During this time, we will also be conducting additional maintenance actions to further improve our future reliability.

"As you have been notified by our colleagues at Shell FNGL, they are continuing some operations so please refer to their communications for any clarifications. but I hope this update is helpful, and we will continue to provide further information as it becomes available."

The plant is expected to be shut down for another two weeks as the repair programme goes on.