Evacuated locals return home
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has reported it has made good progress in dealing with a well control incident at Rig 83 at Sakhiya-31, west of Harweel.
We have commenced mobilising Qatbeet village residents, staff and contractors back to their locations and operating sites effective Friday (20 March) afternoon.
Throughout the well control efforts, there have been no injuries, no hydrocarbon leaks into the environment or damage to the asset.
PDO has been working closely with the Royal Oman Police and government authorities to co-ordinate the response. Throughout the incident the overarching priority has been to ensure no harm to people and the environment.
Production operations in the area and across PDO's concession area were not impacted.
PDO Managing Director Raoul Restucci said: "We have been working around the clock to resolve the situation at the Sakhiya field and have made good progress. Operations are still ongoing to fully secure the well but key safety barriers have been re-established.
"We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to all those who have supported us during the incident. This includes our staff in both the Coast and the Interior, contractors, the Royal Oman Police, government authorities at all levels, Wallis and their deputies who continue to work with the Company around the clock. Also, our sincere thanks go to all local residents who demonstrated great understanding and co-operation throughout our well control efforts."
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is the major exploration and production company in the Sultanate. It accounts for about 70% of the country's crude-oil production and nearly all of its natural-gas supply. The Company is owned by the Government of Oman (which has a 60% interest), the Shell Group (which has a 34% interest), Total (which has a 4% interest) and Partex (which has a 2% interest). Gas fields and processing plants are operated by PDO exclusively on behalf of the Government.
For further information please contact the PDO External Affairs Directorate: Dana Al Sarhani, Media Relations & Social Media Strategist, Tel.: 24677798; Mobile: 93658711 E-mail: dana.ds.sarhani@pdo.co.om
© Press Release 2015
