Greenpeace activists have climbed aboard Gazprom-operated Prirazlomnaya offshore ice-resistant stationary platform at Prirazlomnoye field in the Pechora Sea, offshore Russia.
The 6 activists from Germany, Finland, USA, Canada, Germany and South Africa are now anchored in place to the Arctic drilling platform protesting against Arctic drilling. Among them, Greenpeace’s Executive Director Kumi Naidoo .
According to Greenpeace, this is the second time Naidoo has engaged in direct action to oppose Arctic oil drilling.
He said: “Like Shell’s reckless plans to drill in Alaska, it’s not a question of if an oil spill will happen, but when. The only way to prevent a catastrophic oil spill from happening in this unique environment is to permanently ban all drilling now.”
According to the information on Gazprom’s website special attention during the Prirazlomnaya construction was placed on the environmental safety issues. In particular, a zero discharge system of drilling and production wastes was created on the platform. The wastes will be injected into the special absorption wells or, if necessary, will be collected in containers and transported to the coast for subsequent utilization. Associated petroleum gas will be used for the platform needs.
The Prirazlomnoye oil field is located on the Pechora Sea shelf 60 kilometers off the shore. It contains 72 million tons of oil reserves enabling to achieve the annual production level of more than 6 million tons.
The Russian oil giant describes the field development as a pilot project on developing the Russian Arctic Shelf and a project of crucial significance for Gazprom Group’s oil business strategy.
Gazprom was not immediately available for a comment.
[mappress] Offshore Energy Today Staff, August 24, 2012; Image: Greenpeace