On June 19, the relevant services of the central apparatus of the “Azneft” Production Union (PU) received information regarding the observation of traces of oil pollution in the area of the Dubandi beach. During an initial inspection carried out by vessels and a helicopter in the water area between Pirallahi Island and Dubandi, an oil slick was discovered.
According to sea-news.az since the active source point of the oil was not visually observed during the initial phase of the incident, several variants of potential pollution sources were considered. As a result of a controlled diagnostic inspection, it was determined that the source of the pollution was one of the underwater oil pipelines belonging to “Azneft” PU. Immediately after the source of the leak was identified, the transportation of oil through the said underwater pipeline was suspended. An operational headquarters was established by “Azneft” PU to manage the incident, and the situation was brought under control.
As a result of diagnostic measures carried out by the diving service of “Azneft” PU, mechanical damage was detected on the underwater oil pipeline. According to the initial assessment, it was determined that this damage was caused by contact with an external object, presumably an anchor.
Repair and restoration work kicked off immediately after the damage was detected. The damaged pipeline will remain out of operation until these works are completed, which prevents any continuation of the oil leak into the sea.
The elimination of the consequences of the incident, including the cleaning operations of the sea and coastal areas, is being carried out under close coordination between the Ministry of Emergency Situations and “Azneft” PU.
