Seadrill looking into cause of Timor Sea oil spill

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Aug. 27 -- Seadrill Ltd. reported that it is working closely with the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority to investigate an Aug. 21 oil spill involving the Montara platform off West Australia in the Timor Sea.

Seadrill’s West Atlas jack up drilling rig is operating under contract to PTTEP of Thailand. PTTEP owns and operates the Montara platform. An oil leak developed on a well adjacent to where the West Atlas was working, Seadrill said.

All personnel on the West Atalas were safely evacuated, Seadrill said. The cause of the leak is yet unknown. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority sent planes to spray chemical dispersants on the water to help break up the resulting oil slick.

Seadrill said it is making another jack up, the West Triton, available to PTTEP to drill a relief well. Seadrill also sent an accident investigation team to Australia.

Once the leaking well is under control, Seadrill said its crews will reboard the West Atlas and assess any damage.