Huge survey vessels to be brought in after 18 blocks with likely presence of oil reserves identified in Kollam

KOLLAM: There are indications that 18 blocks with the presence of crude oil have been identified in the deep sea of ​​Kollam. Of these, exploration in blocks 10 nautical miles from the Kollam coast will begin soon. In addition to exploration in one of these blocks, public sector firm Oil India Ltd has also signed an agreement with a Delhi-based private company for mining.

The first phase will be a three-phase exploration to find the presence of fuel. A Delhi-based private company has started preparations to hire a huge survey vessel for this purpose. Tugs will be around to keep fishing boats, yachts and boats away from this vessel and to supply the vessel with fuel and food and drinking water for the crew. During the expedition, the supply of fuel and food to the ship by tugs will be centred at the Kollam port.

If the presence of crude oil is confirmed, mining is planned for the middle of next year. The mining will be done after building a huge iron platform in the middle of the sea. Huge pipelines will be passed through this platform to the bottom of the sea. The facility for storing huge pipelines at the Kollam port has been checked, in case the mining starts.

The likely presence of oil was found in Kollam in an expedition two years ago.