Shell Launches Bid toHalt Pipeline Leak

摘要

Royal Dutch Shell has launched the first phase of an operation designed to stop oil leaking from a damaged pipeline below its Gannet Alpha platform in the UK North Sea (IOD Aug.18'11). Up to 660 tons of oil remains trapped in the eight inch flowline and the main 24 inch pipe into which it feeds. A damaged relief valve in the smaller pipe is still spewing 2 barrels per day after the initial leak was plugged a week ago. Shell reckons 218 tons of oil have already leaked into the sea around the platform.