Rig Blowout and Fire in Offshore Nigeria

Chevron Nigeria Ltd. (Nigeria) is finalising plans to commence drilling a relief well to control the Funiwa Deep 1A well, a natural gas exploration well in shallow water off the coast of Nigeria, which suffered a blowout of the drilling rig K.S. Endeavor, operated by FODE Drilling Nigeria, on 16th January 2012. The fire is still burning at the well site. No rig structure can be seen above the water. Based on the condition of the well, the safest way to control it is to drill a relief well that will kill the well at depth. 

 

The K.S. Endeavor was drilling a natural gas exploration well for Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL). The well is located in the Funiwa Field approximately six miles (10 kilometres) offshore and in approximately 40 feet (12 metres) of water.

 

A 152 workers on the rig and an associated barge were safely evacuated onshore and have been given medical examinations. Two remain hospitalised due to minor burns, while others are being held for further observation.

 

While a full investigation is still under way, Chevron said initial indications point to the possible failure of surface equipment during drilling operations that led to a loss of well control.  The well continues to burn and the rig has collapsed.

 

Contrary to some erroneous media reports, at this time there is no oil spilled as a result of this incident. With the gas flow, fine silt and mud on the seabed floor is disturbed and rises to the surface. Discolouration of the water is visible near the well site.

 

The Transocean rig Baltic is to commence drilling a relief well. Chevron said the time required to complete the relief well is uncertain, but could extend for some period. Additional drilling experts and well control specialists are deployed to Nigeria to assist with well control efforts and the relief drilling process.

 

A small sheen was visible in close proximity to the well, which the company continues to evaluate. The sheen is estimated at approximately 13 barrels.

 

CNL is monitoring the well for impacts to the environment. CNL has hired local community residents as beach walkers to monitor the shoreline. No impacts to the beach have been reported. CNL is cooperating fully with all Nigerian government authorities.

 

Production from Chevron's North Apoi platform remains shut in since it is situated in close proximity to the incident. Total production from the platform was approximately 2,000 barrels per day.