Statoil launches new security unit after terrorist attack at In Amenas gas plant

Norwegian energy company Statoil has launched a security and emergency preparedness unit in response to the January attack by Islamist militants on its In Amenas gas plant in Algeria.

The new Statoil head of security is Helga Nes, a long-time official of the company. She said: "Since the attack on In Amenas we have deepened our dialogue with various governments, including the Norwegian and the Algerian, to increase our understanding of the threats and risks we are facing and our ability to mitigate the risks"

Development and Production International (DPI), a security firm employed by the company, has doubled its staff since 2012.

DPI security head Asbjørn Ringstad said: "Understanding and mitigating security risks is at the core of this challenge, and we will revamp Statoil’s security organisation."

Statoil is reviewing the security arrangements at the In Amenas plant along with its other partners, which include BP and Algeria-based Sonatrach.

The company is also conducting an internal investigation into security at the facility and is expected to submit a report to the Statoil board of directors in mid-September, to be made public subsequently.

The In Amenas gas project includes the development of four primary gas fields in the Illizi basin in south-eastern Algeria and the associated gas processing facility.

In January, around 30 heavily armed gunmen attacked the In Amenas gas plant. Approximately 48 workers and 29 militants were killed in the ensuing battle.

The plant started partial production in February, and produces nine billion cubic metres of natural gas and 50,000 barrels of condensate a year.

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Image: The In Amenas gas project is jointly operated by Sonatrach, BP and Statoil.