Shell Says Gannet Oil Leak Under Control (UK)

Shell U.K. Limited confirmed the oil leak in a flow line to Gannet Alpha platform is under control. The subsea well was shut in on Wednesday and the flowline on the seabed is now isolated and depressurized. Leakage of oil has been considerably reduced.

“Shell takes all spills seriously, regardless of size and we have responded promptly to this incident.”, Shell said in a press release.

The size of the sea surface affected is estimated to be some 31 kms by 4.3 kms at its widest point and the sheen is currently moving west from the field.

“Our current expectation is it will be naturally dispersed through wave action and will not reach shore. The weather currently is southerly winds of 25 to 30 knots and the sea state is some 2 meter waves.”, Shell said in a statement released yesterday.

Shell has deployed a Remote-Operated Vehicle (ROV) to do inspection checks and monitor the subsea leak which is on a flow line on the sea bed.

The relevant authorities (MCA, DECC, HSE) continue to be kept informed.

A stand-by vessel remains on station with oil spill response equipment and dispersant if required.

Personnel on the platform are safe and the platform continues to operate.

The Gannet field is in the Central North Sea around 112 miles (180km) east of Aberdeen.  It is operated by Shell U.K. Limited on behalf of itself and Esso Exploration and Production UK Limited.

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Source: Shell, August 15, 2011