A Norwegian resource group with Statoil participation is providing oil spill collection technology for the effort to clean up in the wake of the Prestige tanker disaster off north-west Spain.
In connection with its Norne development in the Norwegian Sea during the 1990s, Statoil headed development work on innovative specialised equipment to collect spilt oil.
This system is also very suitable for collecting the highly viscous oil now leaking from the sunken vesselâs tanks.
Three skimmers have been loaned to the Spanish clean-up campaign, but sufficient equipment remains in Norway to maintain emergency cover for Norne.
âWe think itâs positive that technology and expertise available in Norway to combat oil spills can also be used elsewhere in a good and effective way,â says Stig Bergseth, Statoilâs senior vice president for health, safety and the environment.
The resource group has been established by the Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies (Nofo), and operations director Jon Rødal has visited the wreck site.
âWeâre very pleased with the efficiency displayed by this equipment in collecting the thick oil,â he says. âThis is Norwegian technology at its best.â
He adds that about 1,000 tonnes of oil have been collected over the past couple of days.
The Nofo spread involved in the clean-up effort comprises the Far Scout supply ship, carrying two of the skimmers, and the Boa Siv tug. These vessels deploy an ocean-going boom between them.
A second spread is on its way to Spain and will arrive before the weekend, Mr Rødal reports.
The 26-year-old Bahamas-registered Prestige ran into difficulties off the Spanish coast on 13 November. After six days, the 40,000-tonner broke in two and sank in 3,500 metres of water.