TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State-owned oil and gas company Pertamina Kalimantan Region stated it has prepared the utilities to lift the broken oil pipeline by using Sea Heaven 2 ship in Balikpapan Bay, East Kalimantan.
“We have assigned a special team, logged the pipe condition, ordered the pipe replacement, cut the pipe, and drafted the technical process to lift the pipe,” said Pertamina's Manager of Communication and CSR Yudy in a written statement received by Tempo, April 19.
Read: Pertamina Adds 15 Boats for Balikpapan Bay Oil Recovery Effort
and: Footing Bill for Environmental Damage from Pertamina Oil Spill
Earlier, Pertamina has prepared 22 joint pipes to replace the undersea pipeline that was broken allegedly due to Panama-flagged ship MV Ever Judger dragged it until it snapped. The 12-meter pipe was brought from Balongan to Balikpapan.
According to Yudy, eight divers have cut 3 joint pipes to be lifted, with a permission by the General Directorate of Sea Transportation, the Port Authority (KSOP), and local police.
“Hopefully, the process will be done smoothly and the police can further investigate the cause of the broken pipe,” said the Pertamina CSR manager.
LANI DIANA WIJAYA
