On Jan. 16, 2012, a fire started aboard the shallow-water jack-up drilling rig KS Endeavor. Contracted by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) and operated by FODE Drilling Nigeria Limited, the rig was drilling a natural gas exploration well approximately six miles (10 km) off the coast of Nigeria and in roughly 40 feet (12 m) of water.
There were 154 personnel on the rig and a support barge, and 152 were safely evacuated. Tragically, the fire claimed two lives.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation. Efforts are under way to seal the well, which will extinguish the fire. At this time, the company cannot estimate how long the fire will continue.
CNL is fully cooperating with all relevant Nigerian government authorities. The company affirms its commitment to operational excellence, the safety of its personnel, the security of its assets and protection of the environment.
We also remain committed to providing updates when relevant information becomes available.
Latest Update
March 5, 2012
Gas Well Fire Offshore Nigeria No Longer Burning
LAGOS, Nigeria, March 5, 2012 – Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) announced that the fire at the site of the Funiwa 1A natural gas well offshore Nigeria ceased burning on Friday, March 2. The well stopped flowing on its own.
CNL has detected no natural gas flowing from the well since the fire ceased burning and is monitoring the area continuously.
CNL will continue to drill the relief well to permanently plug and abandon Funiwa 1A.