Marine Spill Response Corporation: Nexen and Statoil Sign Agreements With MSRC for Spill Response Services in Gulf of Mexico

HERNDON, VIRGINIA--(Marketwire - May 2, 2011) - Nexen Petroleum U.S.A. Inc. and Statoil Gulf of Mexico LLC have signed agreements with the Marine Preservation Association (MPA) and the Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC) that are expected to enhance the spill response plans of the companies and strengthen environmental protection in the Gulf of Mexico. Along with Marine Preservation Association members BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Murphy, and Shell, this group is funding the most extensive surface spill response capability in the Gulf of Mexico with the ability to cite and use MSRC in response plans.

MSRC is currently undergoing a large expansion of its resources and capability in the Gulf of Mexico, with particular focus on the deep water. This expansion, called Deep Blue, will continue to ensure that MPA members will have the highest level of response readiness and response resources in the Gulf of Mexico. Expansion plans include:

• 11 additional spill response vessels with high capacity skimming and storage systems, bringing the total number of skimming vessels in the Gulf dedicated to MSRC to 17. This includes the addition of five Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) that will be permanently outfitted with skimmers and boom for deep water operations.
• Use of newer technology, with new skimming systems, coupled with all 17 vessels utilizing X Band radar and infrared cameras for night-time and low visibility operations.
• Addition of 65,000 ft. of ocean boom inventories to enhance offshore oil recovery collection.
• Addition of 21,000 ft. of fire boom inventory (forty-two 500 ft. sections) to support multiple burn teams on a continuous basis during a large scale event
• Addition of dispersant aircraft to support current MSRC dedicated program that is the largest in the nation.

According to MSRC President and CEO, Steve Benz: "The addition of Nexen and Statoil to our already significant customer base demonstrates that MSRC's plans to enhance its response resources in the Gulf of Mexico, as well its proven record of safe, reliable and effective response actions are an important component of industry's overall plan to resume deep water operations in the Gulf."

Calgary-based Nexen has a growth strategy that is focused on expanding operations in offshore oil and gas, shale gas and the oil sands. The company, which produced about 26,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the Gulf during 2010, has long term investment plans for the region. This year alone, Nexen expects to invest approximately $250 million to further develop its operations there.

"The Gulf of Mexico contains significant oil and gas resources that can provide the energy a growing economy demands. The work we're doing is a key step to ensuring the responsible development of this valuable resource," said Brian Reinsborough, Senior Vice President, U.S. Oil and Gas. "Nexen's operations stretch the globe, but no matter where we operate, safety and environmental responsibility are a priority."

Statoil is an international energy company, headquartered in Norway, with operations in 34 countries. Statoil has 20,000 employees worldwide, and is listed on the New York and Oslo stock exchanges. In the United States, Statoil is established with offices in Houston, Texas; Stamford, Connecticut; Washington DC and Anchorage, Alaska. The company is one of the largest leaseholders in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.

"Building on more than 35 years of experience from oil and gas production on the Norwegian continental shelf, Statoil is committed to accommodating the world's energy needs in a responsible manner. We have a strong deepwater position in the Gulf of Mexico, and we are pleased to collaborate and contribute in partnerships that will ensure and enhance our ability to operate safely and without negative effects to the environment," said head of Statoil's US Offshore activity, Senior Vice President Øivind Reinertsen.