CNOOC shuts down platforms because of subsea pipeline leak

CNOOC Ltd. said Zhuhai Hengqin gas processing terminal reported a leak in a subsea gas pipeline, prompting the shut down of relevant platforms in Panyu 30-1 gas field and Hui Zhou 21-1 oil field in the eastern South China Sea off Guangdong Province.

Paula Dittrick

Dec. 19, 2011

Zhuhai terminal, on the Hengqin island of Zhuhai city, is the gas processing terminal for the joint development gas project of PY30-1 and HZ21-1 fields. No injuries or environmental damage was reported, CNOOC said.

Currently, the terminal is under accelerated depressurization process. A pipeline leakage emergency plan was initiated CNOOC and Chinese authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.

CNOOC is monitoring the situation and setting up an alert zone around the area where the incident took place. Operations at Zhuhai terminal are to be resumed as soon as possible once the pipeline is repaired, CNOOC said.

About the Author

Paula Dittrick

Senior Staff Writer

Paula Dittrick has covered oil and gas from Houston for more than 20 years. Starting in May 2007, she developed a health, safety, and environment beat for Oil & Gas Journal. Dittrick is familiar with the industry’s financial aspects. She also monitors issues associated with carbon sequestration and renewable energy.

Dittrick joined OGJ in February 2001. Previously, she worked for Dow Jones and United Press International. She began writing about oil and gas as UPI’s West Texas bureau chief during the 1980s. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska in 1974.