Today, PTTEP Australasia pleaded guilty to four charges in the Darwin Magistrates Court for its responsibility in the 2009 Montara oil spill.
From the outset we have admitted responsibility for the incident and deeply regret it occurring. Mistakes were made that should never be repeated.
We take the charges and the broader public and industry scrutiny arising from the Montara incident very seriously.
We volunteered to the Australian Government within the first few days of the incident to pay for all response and clean-up costs.
The company also funds a long term environmental monitoring program under a separate agreement with the Australian Government.
In the three years since the spill, we have transformed our operations and culture.
We are committed to our long term future in Australia.
The hearing today draws a line under the Montara incident, and allows us to focus on delivering safe, clean operations in Australia, now and into the future.
Ken Fitzpatrick
Chief Executive Officer
PTTEP Australasia