Eroton Exploration and Production Company has reported a fire on a wellhead at its Akaso field in its Oil Mining Lease, OML-18 asset in Rivers State.
The company said the incident, at the Cawthrone Channel operational area, occurred last weekend.
This came about three months after the company experienced a fire explosion on Akaso Well-14, in October 2022.
The company’s spokesperson, Mercy Max-Ebibai, in a statement said the well was releasing hydrocarbons into the environment, accompanied by wildfire due to suspected vandalism and bunkering activity on the Xmas tree containment valves of the wellhead.
The statement read, “An oil-laden wooden boat was initially observed in the vicinity and a loud bang was also reported.
“This resulted in the fires drifting to two wellheads, only one of which is still aflame at the point of reporting. Akaso6LS fire has died out while Akaso15L is still on fire.”
She said an Emergency Response Team had been convened and the company’s well control engineers were working with an experienced wild well control vendor, who has been contacted to carry out an assessment of the well wildfire situation, and design a technical solution and fire fighting strategy.
Max-Ebibai further said the company has adhered to all regulatory obligations with the relevant authorities duly notified within the allowed window.
She added that the company was working closely with the relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and determine the extent of the damage.
“We continue to appreciate the effort of the authorities, and the entire oil and gas industry to stem these incessant, unfortunate, and expensive incidents,” it stated.
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