Minister Ferguson joined staff from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in conducting their daily aerial inspection of the Montara wellhead platform and West Atlas drilling rig. Oil and gas has been leaking from one of the Montara wells since Friday, 21st August 2009.
Minister Ferguson praised the professional work of all those involved in the response effort which AMSA is leading. Minister Ferguson said: "The oil and gas industry, along with federal, state and territory agencies have lent their full support, including equipment, materials and human resources, to assist the response effort.
"The response effort has been rapid and safely conducted, and it is a tribute to all those who have been involved for many years in ensuring Australia's preparedness to handle an oil spill through the establishment of the industry's Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre and AMSA's National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea."
Dispersant spraying is planned to continue this afternoon to accelerate the breakdown of the oil. Natural evaporation and weathering of the oil is also occurring under improving sea and weather conditions. The spill covers a rectangular area approximately 15 nautical miles to the North and 60 nautical miles to the east of the West Atlas rig. Only 25 per cent of this area is affected by the spill, consisting of streaks of oil and patches of sheen. The heavier concentrations of oil surrounds the rig out to a distance of 3 nautical miles. The nearest point to the Australian coast is in excess of 80 nautical miles.
The West Triton drilling rig is now about 1350 nautical miles from the Montara oil field and the estimated time of arrival is the afternoon of Tuesday, 8th September.
Water Deluge equipment to assist in dispersing the gas cloud is being flown from Singapore and expected to arrive on-site early this week.
PTTEP, the Montara field operator, is working on operational, safety and environment plans required to drill a relief well and stop the flow of oil and gas into the environment.
At the same time, PTTEP is continuing to consider whether there are other safe, technically feasible options to achieve this outcome faster.
Geoscience Australia's petroleum engineers have advised the government that a jack-up drilling rig is the most appropriate type of rig to drill the relief well, which is why the West Triton is the preferred option. It is essential that the leaking well be sealed both safely and quickly. Safety is our top priority because any mistakes could escalate the situation, causing more harm to the environment.
Minister Ferguson said: "We will not put lives, facilities or the environment at further risk."
The National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority and the NT government are working closely with PTTEP to ensure all work plans are approved as required to protect the health and safety of people and the environment.