Frade field spill less than 2,400 bbl, no impact on coastal areas
RIO DE JANEIRO -- Frade Japão Petróleo Limitada, a Frade field partner with Chevron Brazil and Petrobras, has confirmed the updated information regarding the oil sheen, which was found in the vicinity of the Frade oil field, offshore Brazil on Nov. 8, 2011.
According to the information provided by Chevron, the operator of the Frade oil field, it conducted cementing of the well to stop the oil seep through the fissures, which formed the oil sheen as part of the necessary work for the abandonment of the appraisal well drilled at the field.
Chevron mobilized several vessels to deploy containment booms and to undertake skimming and washing techniques aimed at controlling the sheen as well. The source of the leak had been controlled in four days and a comprehensive analysis of the cause is underway. Consequently, the estimated total volume of the spill was less than 2,400 bbl, and no surface sheen is found at present. No impacts on the coastal areas or wildlife in the area have been detected.
With the exception of one shut-in well, production activities have been maintained at Frade throughout the incident.
With regard to this oil sheen, FJPL has been informed that Chevron received several notices on penalties and claims for compensation from Brazilian authorities. Chevron has addressed such incidents by going through the necessary procedures.
02/03/2012