Pipeline repairing
Mexico’s Pemex has begun repairing an offshore pipeline after a crude oil release approximately 46 nautical miles off Ciudad del Carmen in the state of Campeche.
The pipeline has been isolated and no further oil is being released.
On 10 September, personnel at the Cantarell Production Asset detected a pressure drop in a pipeline collecting hydrocarbons from the Ek-TA, Balam-TA, Balam-A, Balam-TB and Balam-TA2 platforms.
The pipeline was depressurised and isolated by closing safety valves at both ends, and has since remained without flow or further releases of crude oil.
Specialised vessels were deployed to the site on the same day for mechanical dispersion and placement of oleophilic containment booms, while divers located the point where containment had been lost and began repair work.
Pemex has completed dredging of the seabed and is removing the pipeline’s concrete ballast, whilst preparing a metal sleeve to cover the affected section.
Repairs are expected to be completed in the coming days.
Vessels equipped for containment, hydrocarbon recovery and mechanical dispersion remain in the area as a precaution.
On 10 September, Pemex activated its Regional Emergency Response and Management Group and notified the Agency for Safety, Energy and Environment, as well as the Mexican Navy Secretariat.
The company also complied with an inspection order from the safety and environmental agency on 11 September.
According to Pemex, continuous monitoring of the Gulf of Mexico had ruled out the possibility of hydrocarbons reaching the coastline by 12 September.
