OMV platform corrodes in the Black Sea

The Austrian oil company, OMV Petrom’s subsidiary, is known for its natural gas production operations in the Black Sea. However, recent photographs released by the environmental protection organization, Greenpeace, have raised concerns about the state of the company’s sea platform off the Romanian coast. The images depict a heavily rusted platform that appears to be lacking in maintenance, which Greenpeace argues is a potential environmental hazard.

Greenpeace alleges that these images reveal severe damage to the platform’s supporting structures, indicating a risk of potential collapse. The organization is particularly critical of OMV Petrom’s apparent irresponsibility regarding the upkeep of its existing platforms. This has led to questions about whether the company should be granted approvals for new gas projects like Neptune Deep, according to Jasmin Duregger from Greenpeace Austria.

Neptun Deep is another project that OMV is jointly developing with the state-owned company Romgaz in the Black Sea. Romania aims to become the EU’s largest natural gas producer, with investments totaling four billion euros. However, Duregger insists that the safety of existing platforms must be confirmed before further projects are approved.

In response to the allegations, OMV has confirmed that the platform in question is indeed theirs and is currently undergoing maintenance. The company insists that it adheres to all safety regulations and industry standards, with health and safety being its top priority. The statement also mentioned that the condition of the offshore platforms undergoes regular legal certification by independent authorities, and maintenance work on the platform is expected to be completed by April.

Greenpeace’s criticism of OMV extends beyond the state of its infrastructure in the Black Sea. The organization also opposes the Neptun Deep project and has filed a lawsuit against it in Romania. Greenpeace argues for a greater emphasis on climate and energy transition efforts rather than the establishment of additional fossil fuel extraction sites.