AMSA maintains clean-up operations in Timor Sea

14 October 2009

While attempts to fix the oil leak from the Montara well head platform continue, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority is maintaining clean-up operations in the Timor Sea.

Daily observations flights are providing information regarding movement of the oil and observers are able to direct surface vessels onto oil patches for dispersant application and containment and recovery operations utilising boom and skimmers to recover product from the surface of the water.

To date there has been approximately 324,000 litres of product recovered from the surface of the water. This type of operation is relatively unique to an off-shore location and continuing calm weather conditions are proving helpful for the ongoing success of this part of the clean-up.

The majority of fresh oil still remains within the vicinity of the platform and AMSA's priority continues to be to mitigate risk to the environment by preventing oil from impacting shorelines. Latest confirmed observations indicate that the closest patches of oil are approximately 160 kilometres from the West Australian coast and approximately 190 kilometres from the Indonesian coast. The marine parks within the area also remain oil free.

Media inquiries:     Tracey Jiggins 0418164901

Containment and recovery operations on patches of oil within the vicinity of the Montara wellhead platform