Posted on March 16, 2023 at 12:33 p.m. by
The Maritime Executive
The Thai government has ordered the Royal Thai Navy and the Department of Transport to help prevent a potentially significant oil spill from a damaged FSO operated by Chevron 129 miles off the country’s coast. The ship, the Benjamins 2was rocked by an explosion during routine maintenance and is taking on water aft.
Chevron issued a statement confirming that a crew member, a contractor, who was working aboard the vessel during the maintenance operation was killed. They were reportedly working on repairs removing an underwater asset at the time of the explosion. The government refers to it as a seawater suction pipe that is now leaking and causing the FSO engine room to flood.
The flood has left the Benjamins 2 without electric power. The Royal Thai Navy noted that the crude oil heating system is not working due to a lack of power which increases the potential for an oil leak. Reports said there are currently 400,000 barrels of oil stored aboard the FSO.
There were 29 crew members working on board the ship at the time of the accident. Chevron reports that non-essential personnel were removed from the vessel. Government reports said the remaining crew were in no immediate danger and were working with the Navy to stabilize the situation. The navy noted that the weather has not been a problem, reporting that wind and waves are not an obstacle to its operation.
The Navy was expected to arrive at the ship early today. They are planning for three scenarios, including successfully sealing the leaking pipe or more water continuing to enter the vessel. The third scenario they are preparing for is a possible FSO oil spill. Resources are being positioned with reports that Thailand’s prime minister is monitoring the situation and has consulted with senior Navy and government officials.
The Benjamins 2 entered service at the field located in the Gulf of Thailand in 2018. Converted from an Aframax tanker built in 1998. Flower of Kelena 5 owned by MISC Berhad. The conversion work was carried out at a shipyard in Malaysia with reports saying the vessel was designed to operate for 12 years without drydocking. The 104,500 dwt vessel was designed to provide a maximum storage capacity of 650,000 barrels.
