Maersk Oil has issued its 2008 Environmental Status Report, which covers the oil and gas activities operated by Maersk Oil for DUC (Dansk Undergrunds Consortium) in the Danish North Sea.
The environmental performance targets for 2008, as published in the 2007 Environmental Status Report, have been met, and to ensure continuous improvement, specific performance targets for 2009 have been set out in the 2008 report.
In addition to this, on the basis of our continued focus on environmental performance, two action plans regarding activities offshore have been developed during 2008 in co-operation with Danish authorities. Implementation of the action plans is in the hands of the Danish operators.
Key findings in the Environmental Status Report 2008 include:
Oil and gas production was lower in 2008 than in 2007, mainly due to the natural decline in production from the Danish fields. However, as predicted, water production and the requirement for treatment and disposal of produced water increased in 2008.
While the total volume of produced water discharged to sea increased in 2008, the average crude oil content in discharged water was reduced substantially compared to previous years, whereby also the quantity of dispersed oil was reduced considerably.
Offshore energy consumption in 2008 was at the same level as in 2007, despite increased water handling requirements, whereas flaring of gas was approximately 20 % lower than in 2006 as a result of production optimisation.
The total CO2 emissions from offshore activities in 2008 were 4 % lower than in 2007.
Total discharges to sea from drilling operations (drilling mud and well cuttings) were reduced significantly in 2008, but remain dependent on the number and the length of wells drilled.
Managing Director of Danish Operations, Franz Willum Sørensen says “Through our effort to ensure effective operations with due respect for the environment, the amount of gas flared and oil content in discharged water was significantly reduced during 2008 and targets for 2009 reflect continuation of our efforts.”
Comments about the Environmental Status Report 2008 are welcomed and may be communicated to: environment@maerskoil.com.