Shell Confirms Oil Leak at Bonny Export Terminal, Assures Operations Uninterrupted

Tuesday 17 December 2024 - 16:45

By: Dakir Madiha

Shell Confirms Oil Leak at Bonny Export Terminal, Assures Operations Uninterrupted

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has confirmed an oil leak at the Bonny Oil Export Terminal but reassured that the incident will not disrupt its oil export activities.

Gladys Afam-Anadu, SPDC’s Media Relations Manager, stated on Monday that investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the leak and the volume of crude released. She emphasized that only one section of a single loading buoy, out of three, was affected by the spill.

The leak, which occurred on December 8, was initially detected when an oil sheen was spotted at one of the loading buoys during routine export operations. As a precaution, the loading activities at the terminal were immediately suspended. In response to the incident, a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) was launched, led by regulatory agencies to assess the situation.

Afam-Anadu assured that SPDC’s Emergency Response Team had been activated, and all relevant authorities, including the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), have been notified. The investigation is being carried out with full cooperation from regulatory bodies.

SPDC reiterated that its priority remains the safety of the local community, the environment, and the protection of public health. Oil spills like this one pose substantial risks to marine ecosystems, threatening coastal biodiversity and the livelihoods of nearby communities dependent on these natural resources. Swift and effective containment efforts are essential to minimize any long-term environmental damage.