West Tuna Export Pipeline Shut After Oil Sheen Detection

On February 1, 2017, NOPSEMA was informed by Esso Australia Resources (Esso) of an identified oil sheen adjacent to the West Tuna platform, located in Commonwealth waters in the Bass Strait, 45km off the Gippsland coast, Victoria.

The West Tuna oil export pipeline was depressurised overnight, and the pipeline will remain shut down while the source of the spill is investigated.

Oil spill modeling undertaken on February 1, indicated that the spill was likely to dissipate by the morning of February 2. Aerial observations undertaken on February 2 did not detect any visible sheens of oil on the surface of the water.

No affected wildlife has been detected by Esso or reported to NOPSEMA.

NOPSEMA added it has launched an investigation into this matter, and cannot comment on any specific aspect of the investigation while it is ongoing.

Source: NOPSEMA; Photo: Esso