Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC) has reported an ongoing leak of crude oil from the hose end valve (HEV) of the Northern Offshore Loading System (OLS).

On December 18, 2013, approximately 10 litres of crude was spilled from the HEV during the connection attempt. The hose was isolated from the rest of the offloading system and HMDC informed the C-NLOPB and monitored the sea surface in the area for 5 days. No sheens were reported but heavy seas prevented launch of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to assess the situation.

On December 27, 2013, a sheen was noted in the area of the Northern OLS. Conditions prevented the use of the ROV to investigate the source of the sheen. On December 30, 2013, the ROV confirmed leakage from the HEV of the Northern OLS.

HMDC is conducting ongoing sheen observations with estimated on-water volumes ranging from 0.009 litres to 0.8 litres of crude. No wildlife has been observed in the area of the sheen.

HMDC is preparing to mobilize vessels and equipment to remediate the HEV leak as soon as weather conditions permit. HMDC has engaged with East Coast Response Corporation (ECRC) on advice for appropriate response methods and ECRC is on standby to assist.

Offloading to tankers has been suspended and production rates at the Hibernia Platform have been cut back significantly. HMDC estimates the total volume contained in the affected portion of the loading system to be 16,000 litres.

The C-NLOPB has been monitoring this evolving situation and HMDC’s management of the ongoing spill.

Media Contact:

Margot Bruce-O’Connell
HMDC Contact
Public Affairs
(709) 778-7222
margot.p.bruce-o’connell@exxonmobil.com

Sean Kelly
CNLOPB
(709) 778-1418
skelly@cnlopb.nl.ca