China: Fishermen Sue Oil Companies for Peng Lai Oil Spill

ConocoPhillips and CNOOC are facing legal challenge from thirty Chinese fishermen , for alleged damages made by an oil spill from Peng lai oilfield, which is operated by the U.S. based exploration and production company, China.org.cn reported.

The fishermen want to establish environmental restoration fund and for that purpose, they are seeking damages of $15.7 million (100 million yuan)

According to China.org.cn, one of the fishermen, He Yecai, 47, said:

“I could generate about 1.2 million yuan (US$188,599 ) in annual revenue in the past, but this year, I only made around 100,000 yuan.”

ConocoPhillips Violates Development Plan

China’s State Oceanic Administration in mid November announced a statement in which it blames ConocoPhillips for negligence saying that the company has violated the overall development plan in its production at Penglai 19-3 oilfield, causing substantial damage to the marine environment

The Peng lai oil spill has stimulated the government into thinking of revision of joint offshore oil exploration activities with foreign companies, said China Daily recently.

CNOOC in October admitted that its 3Q oil production was hit by Peng lai oilfield shutdown.

[mappress]
Offshore Energy Today Staff , November 23, 2011