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Friday, Jul 29, 2005

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Accident will not weaken energy security: Aiyar

Special Correspondent

``Even if oil import were to be made it would be minimal''

— PHOTO: PTI

INFUSING CONFIDENCE: Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar interacting with survivors of the Bombay High fire in Mumbai's Victorial Dock on Thursday.

MUMBAI: Union Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar on Thursday said Wednesday's accident faced by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) did not compromise India's energy security. He was talking to the press after completing an aerial survey of the accident site at the ONGC's offshore process platform here.

The ONGC's Bombay High North platform accounted for 15 per cent of its annual production of 28 million tonnes. About 70 per cent was expected to be restored within four weeks. Even if oil import were made, it would be minimal, he said.

Mr. Aiyar was just in time to catch some of survivors, who reached Victoria Docks. He said it was heartbreaking to see people and their courage in facing such a major accident. "Accidents like this do happen and it's almost impossible to predict them."

The ONGC men showed exemplary calmness in the face of the crisis, followed the drill and kept their heads. For many of them it was a traumatic experience to be in water for several hours, he said. He congratulated the ONGC and other agencies, which took all steps though the city was at a standstill due to heavy rains.

Gas supply to Uran restarted on Thursday morning through alternative routes. The Maharashtra Chief Minister had requested the ONGC to maximise generation. All gas supply was being allocated for power production, he said.

The ONGC did admit to damage to the oil pipelines or risers, which come up from the sea, in the fire.

Statement in Parliament

New Delhi Special Correspondent reports:

Earlier in Parliament, Mr. Aiyar said 70 per cent of the crude production lost as a result the fire would be restored in four weeks. Making a suo motu statement, he said the accident would immediately impact the crude production of 1,10,000 barrels a day. ONGC Chairman Subir Raha constituted an internal enquiry committee to go into the causes of "this tragic accident" with the help of outside experts.

Mr. Aiyar extended his "deepest sympathies" to the bereaved families. The 12 dead included six from the ONGC and one each from the multisupport vessel (MSV) and the drilling rig, NC Yester.

"The search for missing persons is continuing." Rehabilitation of the families would be "our duty."

Platform insured

The BHN platform was insured for $195 million and the MSV for $60 million under the ONGC's offshore package insurance policy.

Mr. Aiyar said the fire occurred at 4.05 p.m., resulting in the loss of the BHN processing platform. The ONGC's multisupport vessel `Samudra Suraksha,' under Shipping Corporation of India operation, was engaged in a medical evacuation operation, when it lost control, drifted and collided with the platform, causing a major fire. The MSV was also engulfed in the blaze.

Given the intensity of the fire and the consequent damage, the platform was abandoned, he said. This in keeping with a well-rehearsed abandonment drill in offshore operations. Personnel from the MSV were evacuated, except six divers, who were undergoing decompression treatment and were expected to survive. Personnel on board NC Yester were also evacuated. "The BHN platform was totally lost in less than two hours along with a Pawan Hans helicopter positioned on it," Mr. Aiyar said.

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