Below is a statement released by Petrobas on the loss of a 130 ton bouyancy can that seperated from its riser at the Chinook field in the Gulf of Mexico.
On March 23, 2011, Petrobras notified the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE), and the U.S. Coast Guard that a buoyancy can had become separated from its Chinook Free Standing Hybrid Riser. A buoyancy can is designed to allow a riser to maintain the desired water depth. The buoyancy can was located and is secure. There were no injuries related to this incident. The Chinook field is in final commissioning before going into production; therefore, there was no presence of oil in the riser.
Petrobras has formed an Investigative Committee, tasked to investigate the causes of the incident. Petrobras will be only able to forecast the beginning of production of the project, when this investigation is concluded.
Petrobras is working closely with the BOEMRE and the US Coast Guard to ensure the safety and integrity of the development and production project.
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