State Expert Review Agency approved of LUKOIL's oil spill response technology. Based on the use of absorbents and biotechnologies, the company's new development is designed specifically for marine and freshwater ecosystems of the Arctic region. As the pilot testing proves, the technology, that has already acquired nine patents, is effective and can be applied in real life conditions, LUKOIL says in a press release.
The distinctive property of the technology is in specific strains of microorganisms that can be used in the Arctic regions, where application of conventional oil containment and skimming techniques is hindered by the harsh environment.
LUKOIL's new development implies the use of special biologicals for marine, fresh and mesohalobiotic environments. These biologicals do not form any toxic compounds in air or water, and no harmful substances are used to produce them. With the ability to treat contaminated areas out of easy reach in extremely low temperatures, they are best suited for the environment of the Arctic and the Atlantic Oceans.
Minimizing the risk of greasing of integuments of marine animals and birds among other things, the new technology complies with LUKOIL's biodiversity preservation plan, developed at the instruction of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on safe development of the Arctic region.