Eroton Exploration & Production Company Limited, operator of OML 18 Field on behalf of the NNPC/Eroton JV. has condemned the vandalization of its oil well facilities which led to spillage affecting its host community.
It said it has successfully shut-in Cawthorne Channel Well 15 (CAWC015L/S) and contained CAWC047 wild well spill which occurred on June 15 2022 through vandalisation.
In an update statement, company spokesperson, Mercy Max-Ebibai stated that efforts are ongoing to complete a spill clean-up of the wellhead slot, a proper securement, and the subsequent installation of subsurface downhole plugs. It would be recalled that both spills were due to willful sabotage by unknown persons.
She stated that the Well Engineering Team and the Well Control vendor assiduously worked to establish control across all the flowing points on the vandalised wellhead.
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Affirming that in the light of the sabotage, the team had to fabricate a platform on a work barge (as the well head platform had been initially totally cannibalised) before control valves could be installed and well shut-in achieved.
Max-Ebibai also informed reporters that following the preliminary Joint Investigative Visit (JIV), a JIV with all relevant stakeholders, including NOSDRA, the Ministry of Environment and the community was held on the 15th of July 2022 with the intent to estimate spill volume and Post Spill Impact Assessment. Confirming that the clean-up exercise will be wrapped up at the earliest possible time.
Finally, she commended members of the affected community, stating “As excellent hosts, they provided all the necessary support in arresting the situation despite the hazards posed by the incident. We are happy that their seafaring and economic activities can return to normal in no time.”
OML 18 is situated in the Eastern Niger Delta and covers a total area of 1,035 SQKM in an onshore swamp terrain. Eroton has a clear vision for the future, which is evident from the six-fold increase in production since the asset was acquired in 2015. Eroton is based in Lagos & Rivers State in Nigeria.
