28 January 2012, Sweetcrude, LAGOS – US oil giant, Chevron, has said it is set to commence drilling of two relief wells at the site of its burning KS Endeavor drilling rig off the coast of Nigeria.
Two rigs, one from Noble and one from Transocean, will handle drilling of the two wells. They are on loan from ExxonMobil and Eni respectively, and are expected to begin drilling within seven to 10 days.
“The fire is still burning at the well, but at a diminished rate,” spokesman Scott Walker said in a statement. “Based on the condition of the well, the safest way to control the well is to drill a relief well to kill the well at reservoir depth.”
Following attacks from non-governmental organisations in Nigeria over its poor handling of the effects of the rig fire on local communities, Chevron said it is aiming to reach out and reiterated that no oil was reported to have washed up on the shore.
Chevron said: “CNL has hired local community residents as beach walkers to monitor the shoreline.
“We are currently moving food and supplies to the communities in the area to recognize the help and support that they have given us.”
