CNOOC says oil spills over, officials have yet to confirm

The China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has published updates regarding the Penglai 9-13 oil spill on its official website. The updates say leaks have been completely stopped. But, the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) North China Sea Branch has not confirmed the report.

Daily marine environmental monitoring by the SOA North China Sea Branch continues.

"Leakage sources from platform B and C have all been detected and blocked," said the CNOOC's latest online news bulletin. It also reported that all oil-base mud has been cleaned up or enclosed, no new leaks have been found at the sea bottom, spots of oil on the sea surface were in an obvious decline, and cleaning oil from the shoreline has been completed.

The Global Times called the SOA's press office Thursday to confirm the progress mentioned by the CNOOC, but the administration was unable to provide related information.

"Small amounts of oil can be seen leaking near platform C, releasing 0.58 litter of oil," said a release on the SOA's website. "No oil slicks have been found near platforms B and C."

Ding Jianchun, manager of the Investor Relations Department of the CNOOC, told the Global Times Thursday that the current small amount of spilled oil is from the organic mud remaining at the sea bottom.

A team of about 300 people, including nearly 100 divers, and 30 vessels have been dispatched to clear up the muddy oil.

An environmental supervision program will be carried out by the CNOOC and ConocoPhillips, according to the report published by the CNOOC.