OMV New Zealand reportedly spilled crude oil in the ocean offshore Taranaki, New Zealand, on Friday, February 20, 2015.
According to NZ media, the spill occurred during a routine transfer of oil from the Raroa FPSO to the Nectar oil tanker.
Stuff.co.nz has quoted Peter Zeilinger , managing director of OMV New Zealand Ltd as saying:
“The transfer hose developed a leak close to the connection point on board the Nectar and oil spilled onto its deck.”
“The majority of the spill was recovered on board the tanker and transferred to its cargo tanks but a small amount, estimated to be less than 2 barrels [300 litres], entered the sea.”
New Zealand Herald has reported that the oil slick has spread 10km from the Raroa FPSO location since Friday.
Maritime New Zealand, a Crown entity responsible for protecting the maritime environment within New Zealand, has said it is monitoring the slick, adding that it is unlikely the spill will reach the shore, as it is expected it will break up.
The Maari field is located in a water depth of 100 m, around 80 km off the Taranaki coast of New Zealand. The field was developed by OMV New Zealand as operator of the Maari Joint Venture (JV) and began production in February 2009.
Offshore Energy Today Staff
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