CNOOC Ltd. is focusing on personnel search and rescue and follow-up actions after a fire that occurred Apr. 5 on the V platform at Pengbo Operating Co.’s Penglai fields in China’s Bohai bay.
Shallow gas overflowed during drilling operations in well V29 and emergency response procedures and well kill operations were carried out, during which a fire broke out, CNOOC confirmed in an Apr. 9 statement. The fire hit the CNOOC-operated Penglai 19-3 field's phase 3 operations, media outlets reported. ConocoPhillips is partner with 49%.
At the time, 102 people were on the platform, 99 of whom were evacuated the night of the fire, CNOOC said in the press statement. Three are missing.
The company expects the incident to reduce annual production by up to 600,000 bbl. While other impacts are yet to be evaluated, “no oil spill occurred and no environmental pollution” has occurred so far, according to the official statement.
CNOOC has dispatched vessels, helicopters, and drones to search for and rescue the three missing personnel, carried out an oil spill check, and placed oil booms around the platform.
The situation will be closely monitored, and further announcements will be made as appropriate, the company said.
