Oil Spill

In 2010 the number of oil spills caused by accidents and corrosion (excluding sabotages) has  slightly increased, whereas the spilled quantity significantly decreased (down 39%). The most significant data related to these spills was recorded in Libya, when in March, following a technical mistake, 2,000 bbls were spilled. Considering the mentioned event and including other minor incidents, Libya in 2010 accounted for 57.8% of the total volume of spills caused by accidents and corrosion. As for Nigeria the total volume was equal to 22.1%, Egypt accounted for 6.4%, Turkmenistan 3.8% and finally Algeria with 3.3%.

Improvement compared to 2009 resulted from the implementation of the following activities:

• Egypt: completion of the Western Desert Flow Line Replacement project launched in 2007, aimed at replacing the flow lines affected by corrosion in several areas and different processphases;
• Nigeria: implementation of the asset integrity program launched in 2010 (better use of corrosion inhibitors and active protection systems), optimization of maintenance activities, awareness
• campaign for workers;
• Turkmenistan: replacement of 50% of the pipeline system for oil collection (the remaining part will be replaced in 2011).

The volumes of oil spills deriving from sabotage increased by 22%, while the number of events remained stable (299). The above mentioned events took place in Nigeria.