CHONBURI, March 17 (TNA) – Authorities are working to prevent a leak from an oil storage vessel in the Gulf of Thailand following an accident during the maintenance earlier this week.
The vessel “Benchamas 2”, operated by a unit of Chevron is located about 129 miles off the Sattahip naval base in Chonburi.
A seal malfunctioned and seawater entered the hull during the maintenance On March 13. One crew member was killed in the accident.
Director-general of the mineral fuels department Sarawut Kaewtatip said the department set up a “war room” to work with multiple agencies to avert a leak from the storage vessel carrying 400,000 barrels of crude oil.
The Benjamas field was ordered to suspend operation for seven days and it will not have any impact on energy security.
It was initially reported that the cause of the accident might be related to human error, he said.
Meanwhile, Chevron said in the statement that all non-essential personnel had been removed from the vessel. The company expressed sorrow over the death of the crew member.
The safety of all personnel and the protection of the environment are the top priorities and the company is working with all stakeholders to cope with the situation,” it said. (TNA)
