The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is continuing its staged approach to the management of the clean-up of oil leaking from the Montara well head platform in the Timor Sea. The main area of containment/recovery and dispersant spraying operations is approximately 25 nautical miles by 70 nautical miles and heads north east from the platform.
Dispersant spraying is being performed in a targeted manner due to a reduction in oil as a result of warmer weather conditions enhancing the natural weathering process. Containment and recovery operations using boom and skimming equipment are proving worthwhile and a quantity of oil has been removed from the surface of the water.
AMSA is monitoring weather in the area and has contingencies in place to deal with any change in conditions. AMSA’s liaison with both Federal and State agencies, including oil and environmental specialists with regard to the clean-up operation remains ongoing.