The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has confirmed an oil spill at its Bonny export terminal in Rivers State but assured stakeholders that the incident will not disrupt oil export operations.
According to SPDC, the spill, which occurred on December 8, 2024, was detected at one of the terminal’s three loading buoys during export activities. The affected buoy has been isolated, while the remaining two remain operational to sustain exports.
Gladys Afam-Anadu, SPDC’s media relations manager, stated that the cause of the spill and the volume of crude discharged are currently under investigation. She added that the company has activated its Emergency Response Team and notified all relevant regulatory authorities and stakeholders.
“A joint investigative visit (JIV) led by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) is scheduled for Monday,” Afam-Anadu said. “Our environmental team is closely monitoring the situation and preparing to implement containment and clean-up measures to minimize any environmental impact.
There are reports that, SPDC emphasized its commitment to protecting the health, safety, and well being of the local community and the environment. The company is actively coordinating with regulatory agencies to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the spill.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) also reported the spill on Sunday, confirming that it occurred at the Single Mooring Installation (SMI) at the Bonny terminal. NIMASA and other regulatory bodies will participate in the investigation to determine the extent of the spill and its impact on the environment.
The Bonny terminal is a critical hub for Nigeria’s oil exports, and incidents of this nature often raise concerns about potential disruptions and environmental damage. However, SPDC’s swift response, including the suspension of loading operations at the affected buoy and the ongoing containment efforts, has been reassuring.
This latest incident underscores the importance of strict regulatory oversight and proactive measures to address oil spills in Nigeria’s oil producing regions. While SPDC works to contain and clean up the spill, affected communities and environmental stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure accountability and comprehensive remediation efforts.
SOURCE: SharpNews24