Chevron to address claims over rig fire incident

CHEVRON Nigeria Limited, operator of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC/Chevron Joint venture, has unfolded plans to address letters of claims it received from lawyers and representatives of some communities in Bayelsa State and beyond over its rig fire incident.
The incident occurred at Funiwa 1A natural gas well on January 16, (about 10 kilometres) off the coast of Nigeria.
A statement from the spokesman of the company, Deji Haastrup said that the company will address each claim on its own merit, adding that an independent body, comprising of representatives of the NNPC, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Bayelsa State government, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Regional Development Committees (RDCs) of communities, is being set up for the purpose.
Other participants include National Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
According to Haastrup, “the body will review all reports of environmental and health assessment and evaluate each claim on its individual merit.”
“Chevron has shared information about the incident and what caused it. The company has engaged government officials, NGOs, and residents of communities, listening to their concerns and explaining what happened and how the company is responding.
“CNL operates with the highest safety standards in the industry and is committed to operating in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. The safety of the people and the environment is one of our priorities,” the statement added.
The company announced recently that it has sealed and abandoned the shallow water Funiwa 1A natural gas well after completing the drilling of a relief well.
It stated that production at the North Apoi field, which had been shut in as a precaution, has also been restored and the field is now producing approximately 2,000 barrels of oil per day.

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