Security & Safety
Fire at Chevron’s BBLT Platform in Angola Injures 17 During Maintenance Shutdown
A fire erupted on Chevron’s BBLT (Benguela-Belize-Lobito-Tomboco) platform off the coast of Angola during scheduled maintenance operations, resulting in injuries to 17 workers, with four suffering serious injuries.
Injuries and Response
Chevron has confirmed that all personnel have been accounted for following the incident, with no fatalities reported. According to the National Agency for Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels of Angola, all injured individuals have been successfully transported onshore and are currently receiving medical care and supervision.
Incident Details
The fire broke out while the offshore platform was undergoing its annual maintenance procedures. The facility had been in a planned shutdown mode, with all production activities having ceased since May 1st.
At the time of the incident, routine maintenance work was being conducted as part of the scheduled downtime. Officials have not yet disclosed the specific maintenance activities that were underway when the fire started.
Investigation Underway
A joint investigation has been launched by Chevron and Angolan authorities to determine the cause of the fire.
“We are working closely with local authorities to thoroughly investigate the cause of this incident,” a Chevron spokesperson said. “Our immediate focus remains on the wellbeing of the injured personnel and ensuring the continued safety of the facility.”
About the BBLT Platform
The BBLT platform is part of Chevron’s significant operations in Angola, where the company has maintained a presence for several decades. The platform operates in deep waters off Angola’s coast and is an important asset in the country’s oil production infrastructure.
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in offshore oil and gas operations, where remote locations and complex industrial processes create challenging conditions for emergency response.
Industry analysts note that while safety standards have improved across the sector in recent years, maintenance periods often present elevated risk profiles due to the nature of the work being performed.
Chevron has stated it will provide updates as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.