Operations scale back as less oil is observed

17 November 2009

While the clean-up of oil continues in the Timor Sea, activity is slowing due to the reduced amount of oil being observed in the area. Daily observation flights are still being conducted; however, patches of oil large enough to be dealt with by containment and recovery operations are rapidly decreasing as no fresh oil has leaked from the Montara platform since early November.

The latest aerial observations show isolated patches of weathered oil approximately 69km from the Australian coast, 283km from the Indonesian coast and 91km from marine parks. Highly weathered oil that was seen in the vicinity of Holothuria Banks, appears to have dispersed and concentrated observation flights over the area, have not located any oil. Marco oil recovery vessels intended to retrieve this oil are now on standby.

While operations have slowed, all assets and personnel remain on standby until such time as PTTEP Australasia can offer assurances that there is no longer any risk of oil leakage from the Montara well head platform.

Media Enquiries: Tracey Jiggins 0418 164 901

Photo Credit: Mark Hamilton