An oilfield off Newfoundland's east coast will shut down Wednesday, while the operator deals with an unexpected production problem.

Production on the White Rose field is expected to be down for about two weeks.

Husky Energy says a buildup of sediment is affecting equipment called a low pressure separator, aboard the Sea Rose floating production and storage vessel.

Production had already dropped to as little as 90,000 barrels of oil per day.

The field has a maximum production capacity of about 140,000 barrels per day.

Husky said the unexpected repairs should not affect overall production at White Rose, the third field to go into production on the Grand Banks. The field is about 350 kilometres southeast of St. John's.

Meanwhile, Husky said it has hired a new semisubmersible rig to help with exploration in the White Rose area.

Last year, Husky struck a new royalty deal with the Newfoundland and Labrador government on planned expansions at White Rose. Premier Danny Williams said the expansions could yield about $6 billion for the Newfoundland and Labrador government.