Pemex denies oil spill will reach Campeche coast

Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) has stated that the crude oil spilled from a marine pipeline leak is not expected to reach the coast of Campeche. The leak was detected on September 10 in a pipeline located 46 nautical miles north of Ciudad del Carmen, which collects hydrocarbons from the Ek-TA, Balam-TA, Balam-A, Balam-TB, and Balam-TA2 platforms.

Upon detecting a pressure drop, Pemex depressurized and isolated the pipeline by closing safety valves at both ends. The company reports that there has been no further flow or oil emanation since the incident was identified. Specialized vessels are currently on-site performing mechanical dispersion and deploying oleophilic barriers to contain the spill.

Repair efforts are underway, with dredging of the seabed completed this Saturday. Technical teams are working to remove concrete ballast from the pipeline to install a metal sleeve over the damaged section. Repairs are expected to be finalized in the coming days. Pemex has notified the Agency for Safety, Energy, and Environment (ASEA) and the Secretariat of the Navy, and is cooperating with an ordinary inspection ordered by ASEA.