An explosion followed by a major fire has been reported on the “Akal Bravo” marine oil platform, part of the Catarell production complex in the Strait of Campeche, Mexico.
While details are still emerging, the situation is being closely monitored by maritime authorities and Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), Mexico’s state oil company.
The first information emerged when videos started circulating on social media platforms, depicting an intense fire on board the Akal Bravo platform operated by Pemex.
CLOCK:
OIL: Get ready for rising gas prices. The Akal Bravo marine oil platform in Mexico is on fire: about 11 million barrels of oil are about to go offline.
pic.twitter.com/UBkOQQSsT5— @amuse (@amuse) April 7, 2024
Pemex confirmed that nine workers were injured as a result of the accident, according to UnoTV.
This event marks the first explosion of the year in the Gulf of Mexico oil network, particularly in the Cantarell production area, a critical location for Mexico’s oil production. It is estimated that around 300 employees work on oil platforms in this region. Fire brigade boats intervened on site to help tame and possibly put out the fire.
In an official statement, Pemex detailed the events: At 4.48pm local time, a “fire” occurred at the Akal-B Process Center (Akal-B1), specifically in the section that houses the pipelines used for the transportation of fuel gas for turbomachinery. . The company’s Emergency Response (PRE) Plan was activated and the fire was brought under control at 5:04 p.m.
The company also reported that two of its employees and seven contractors (three from DIAVAZ and four from COTER) suffered minor injuries. All injured personnel were transported to Ciudad del Carmen for a thorough evaluation.
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, with safety inspectors and engineers working to determine the root of the accident. Pemex has committed to keeping the public updated as further information becomes available.
Check #PEMEX Fire outbreak on the Akal-B marine platform in Campeche Sound. https://t.co/vPJbqPuojy pic.twitter.com/DA9YmLv78J
— Petróleos Mexicanos (@Pemex) April 7, 2024
The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) recognizes the Cantarell project as a significant component of Mexican oil production. Located on the continental shelf of the Gulf of Mexico, the project includes several fields, including Akal, and covers an area of approximately 185.5 square kilometers.
In 2007, the Akal field was listed as one of the world’s last discovered supergiant oil fields. Cantarell was Mexico’s top crude oil producer in 2007, although production has since declined.