On 12 December 2007 approximately 4,400 standard cubic metres of oil were accidentally discharged into the sea during offloading to a tanker at the Statfjord A platform in the North Sea.
A comprehensive emergency response organisation was rapidly mobilised, including four oil protection vessels and monitoring by planes and helicopters. Samples were taken and observations made in order to assess the harm to the environment.
When the weather permitted, attempts were made to collect the oil, but the slicks were thin and the oil rapidly disintegrated into small droplets that mixed with the water. A few days after the incident, it was impossible to observe any remaining oil.
We take a serious view of this incident, which is now under external investigation, and in 2008 we will focus strongly on learning from the incident in order to prevent the recurrence of such accidents and to ensure even better emergency response in future. The internal investigation has identified the main causes of the rupture in the loading hose. The underlying causes of the rupture are mainly related to the failure to use process and risk analyses in connection with modifications and the replacement of loading hoses.
The internal investigation team has recommended a number of measures that will be implemented in relation to StatoilHydro, the shipping company and the system supplier's activities. The measures are of a technical, organisational and managerial nature.
Our goal is zero harm and we aim to reduce the environmental risk by operating with care. We cannot, however, entirely eliminate the risk and we should be well prepared in order to protect the environment against accidental spills from our business activities.
We believe that cooperation is essential in oil spill response. As a major offshore operator, we have implemented the principle of integrating response arrangements with the Norwegian government and industry.
In cooperation with other offshore operators, we have very modern and dedicated oil recovery vessels close to the platforms. The standards are continuously improving, and new innovative vessels will be in place in 2009.
If an oil slick should escape the first barriers due to heavy weather or the large scale of the spill, the Norwegian Clean Sea Association for operating companies (NOFO www.nofo.no) will assist by providing additional resources from the industry, municipality and government.
If the scale of the incident requires additional resources, international assistance will be provided through StatoilHydro's membership of Oil Spill Response and East Asia Response Limited (OSRL EARL), which is the world's largest provider of technical response in connection with oil spills.
