Skimming operations completed over Shell’s 88,000-gallon oil spill in Gulf of Mexico

Shell and the US Coast Guard continue their response to the release of some 88,200 gallons of crude oil from a subsea flow line into the Gulf of Mexico approximately 90 miles off the Louisiana coast.

Recovery methods have focused on skimming and have involved five on-water recovery vessels. Skimming operations, which began on May 13, have been completed due to no more visible recoverable oil observed by either aerial or surface assets. Clean-up crews have recovered more than 84,000 gallons (2,012 barrels) of oily-water mixture. One vessel remains on scene andto assess environmental impacts of the oil released.

The company estimates that some 88,200 gallons (2,100 barrels) of crude oil was released on May 12 at approximately 11 in the morning from a subsea flow line at Shell’s Glider Field, consisting of four subsea wells located in Green Canyon Block 248. Production of the wells flow through subsea flow lines to Shell’s Brutus tension leg platform, located in 2,985 feet of water. All production to the Brutus platform was shut-in following the incident and the source of the release was secured. The oil spill was not the result of a well control incident.

According to the company’s latest statement, there have been no reported impacts to the coastline or fisheries because of the sheen’s westerly trajectory. The nearby Brutus tension-leg platform has also resumed production from Shell’s unaffected direct vertical access wells; Glider and other subsea fields remain shut-in.

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) approved Shell’s plans to remove and secure the damaged segment of the subsea flow line at Glider, and work is underway. BSEE is leading the investigation of the incident. There have been no reported injuries throughout the response.

Source: Shell