An oil major, Shell, is facing a fine of USD 3.96 billion for the oil spill that happened in 2011 on Bonga oil field off the coast of Nigeria.
Nigerian parliament recommended the fine based on National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA)’s report. The parliament cannot enforce its decision since it only has a capacity to recommend fines to the government, Reuters reported.
The leak occurred during a routine operation to transfer crude oil from Bonga’s floating production, storage and off-loading (FPSO) vessel to a waiting oil tanker.
Investigation by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) identified an export line linking the FPSO to the tanker as the source of the leak.
As Reuters reports, NOSDRA previously informed that the spill had an impact on locals who rely on fishing in the area.
According to Shell’s statement less than 40,000 barrels of oil have leaked in total.