CNOOC confirms US$38 mln oil spill suit

China.org.cn, January 11, 2012

Chinese oil giant CNOOC confirmed a notice from the Tianjin Maritime Court asking for a response to legal proceedings brought against it over leaks at the Penglai 19-3 oilfield.

A ship moves near the platform B in Penglai 19-3 oilfield at north China's Bohai Bay, in this file photo taken on July 15, 2011. [Xinhua]

A ship moves near the platform B in Penglai 19-3 oilfield at north China's Bohai Bay, in this file photo taken on July 15, 2011. [Xinhua] 

CNOOC confirmed on Tuesday that "29 marine product culturists" from Hebei Province have initiated legal proceedings against the parent, China National Offshore Oil Corp and partner, ConocoPhillips China Inc.

The Chinese outfit said the claimants "believed that their cultivation losses were caused by the Penglai 19-3 oil spill incident."

The claimants have claimed a total of 241.61 million yuan ($38.3 million) in damages as well as litigation costs, CNOOC said in the statement.

The maritime court accepted the case in late December for compensation from claimants looking to recoup alleged losses from the Chinese and US oil giants over the spill, according to Xinhua News Agency.