‘Several hundred tonnes’ of oil in North Sea spill
Pressure is increasing on the oil giant Shell to be open about the scale of last week’s spill, as UK government figures estimate “several hundred tonnes” of oil could have leaked into the North Sea.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change says the spill off the coast of Aberdeen is “substantial”, with estimates showing it is the biggest such leak in more than a decade.
The slick is estimated to be some 20 miles by 2.6 miles at its widest point.
‘Under control’
Royal Dutch Shell says it has brought the spill under control, but it has not yet confirmed the extent of the leak.
A DECC spokesman said the energy firm is still trying to “completely halt” any further leakage.
It is not anticipated that oil will reach the shore and indeed it is expected that it will be dispersed naturally. Department of Energy and Climate Change spokesman
“It is not anticipated that oil will reach the shore and indeed it is expected that it will be dispersed naturally.
“The UK Continental Shelf oil spill record is strong, which is why it is disappointing that this spill has happened.
“Current estimates are that the spill could be several hundred tonnes. However, it is always very difficult and takes time to get an accurate assessment of the size of a spill and this is subject to ongoing revision.”
Monitoring the spill
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency are making twice-daily flights to monitor the situation at the Gannet Alpha platform, about 112 miles east of Aberdeen.
We take any oil leak extremely seriously and we are continuing to monitor this situation very closely. Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead
The Scottish Government says it is working alongside Shell, marine officials and environmental groups to monitor the situation.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead has also called on Shell to provide as much information as it can.
“While there are inevitable difficulties verifying the extent and size of the leak, its vital that Shell and DECC make information available on an open, transparent and regular basis,” Mr Lochhead said.
“We take any oil leak extremely seriously and we are continuing to monitor this situation very closely.
“Marine Scotland officials are participating in the Operational Control Unit – alongside Shell, UK Government departments and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee – and are reporting back to Ministers on a regular basis.”
He said he will push for the Scottish Government to have a “full and formal role” in investigations.
‘Worrying lack of transparency’
Greenpeace has also expressed concerns about how the lack of information coming from Shell.
“There is a worrying lack of transparency from Shell in relation to this oil spill and our concerns are only heightened by the news that this spill is now substantial,” said Greenpeace oil campaigner Ben Ayliffe.
“It took Shell two days after the spill began before they admitted that there had been a leak, and even now they have refused to say how many of barrels of oil per day are seeping into the North Sea.”