Chevron Nigeria Ltd. (CNL) is finalizing plans to commence drilling a relief well to control the Funiwa Deep 1A well, a natural gas exploration well in shallow water offshore Nigeria.
The fire is still burning at the well site. No rig structure can be seen above the water . Based on the condition of the well, the safest way to control it is to drill a relief well that will kill the well at depth, explained CNL.
Chevron has dismissed media reports claiming that an oil spill has occurred from the incident saying: “Contrary to some erroneous media reports, at this time there is no oil spilled as a result of this incident. We reiterate that this is a natural gas well.”
With the gas flow, fine silt and mud on the seabed floor is disturbed and rises to the surface. Discoloration of the water is visible near the well site.
“CNL has hired local community residents as beach walkers to monitor the shoreline. No impacts to the beach have been reported. CNL is cooperating fully with all relevant Nigerian government authorities.” said Chevron in a statement.
[mappress] Offshore Energy Today Staff, January 24, 2012; Image: Chevron