By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, July 15 -- ConocoPhillips estimates 1,500 bbl aggregate of oil and oil-based fluids spilled into Bohai Bay during two incidents in Penglai 19-3 oil field. The company said it continues working with independent experts to validate the total spill volume.
China’s State Oceanic Administration (SOA) requested ConocoPhillips China Inc., operator of Penglai 19-3, to suspend production from Penglai Platforms B and C until the risk of another oil spill is eliminated (OGJ Online, July 13, 2011).
Seepage on the seabed was observed June 4 along a natural fault near Platform B. On June 17, oil and gas bubbles were observed on the surface near Platform C, 2 miles from the Platform B seep. The bubbles were seen during drilling from Platform C.
During both incidents, no oil sheen reached the shoreline, and there were no injuries to personnel, ConocoPhillips said. Almost 3,000 m of absorbent and inflatable booms were deployed to contain the oil sheen, and 33 vessels supported clean-up activities.
Under a production-sharing contract with ConocoPhillips, CNOOC Ltd. holds 51% interest in Penglai field.
Rendering from Cedar LNG.
US Government Accountability Office.
