Works begin to fix leaking Trinidad well

Repairs have started on a leaking well offshore Trinidad and Tobago, local media reported on Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, pre-abandonment work is being done by US well control company Boots & Coots Services, following the development of a well control strategy and risk assessment. The well is expected to be completely capped within 14 days.

“Developing the strategy required analysis of historical data from the well and other wells in the area, an assessment of the current conditions and the sourcing of the required materials and equipment, some of which had to be specially designed and fabricated,” the ministry said in a statement.

The well, which has been spewing oil and gas since it ruptured on July 4, is located near the Couva oil platform in the Gulf of Paria. State-owned Petrotrin has been working with the coast guard and other teams in an attempt to patrol the area and contain the spilled hydrocarbons.