By Sue-Ann Wayow
WELL Services Petroleum Company Limited has given the public an update regarding salvage and recovery operations for Well Services Rig 110 where Pete Phillip went missing last December.
The company claims it is awaiting a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) from the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).
The update comes one day after the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs issued a media release Wednesday saying that the operations were not in a timely manner.
Well Services said it has been diligently and carefully working toward the completion of the operations.
“Significant attention has been given to ensuring that all regulatory, environmental, and technical considerations are addressed throughout this process,” the company stated, acknowledging a meeting between Well Services Chief Executive Officer C. Anthony Brash and Minister in the Ministry of Energy Ernesto Kesar on May 14.
Subsequent to this meeting, in correspondence with the EMA, Well Services was informed that before the salvage and recovery operations could commence a CEC would be required from the EMA, the release stated.
In compliance with this requirement, Well Services formally submitted a CEC application to the EMA on July 22 for the stabilisation and recovery of Well Services Rig 110 located in the Heritage East Soldado Field, and the temporary mooring of the recovered rig hull and mud mat.
The EMA has formally acknowledged receipt of Well Services’ CEC application.
Well Services stated, “On 6 August 2025, the EMA informed us that, following their preliminary review, the information provided was adequate for further processing and that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would not be required for the proposed project.”
“Pursuant to Rule 6(1)(a) of the CEC rules, the application is being processed, and a determination as to whether the CEC will be granted will be made by 18 September, 2025, thirty working days from August 6, 2025.”
The company also said upon issuance of the CEC, the US-based salvage company will begin mobilisation activities, which includes deploying the crane barge and other necessary specialised equipment to Trinidad and Tobago.
Additionally, Well Services has secured a specialised barge equipped to support the planned salvage and recovery operations.
The barge, which meets the necessary technical and operational requirements for the scope of work, has been stationed in Trinidad and Tobago waters since August 8, the company said.
“Its presence ensures that the company is fully prepared to mobilise as soon as all required regulatory approvals are granted,” the release stated.
It added, “Well Services remains committed to working collaboratively with all relevant authorities to ensure that the salvage and recovery operations are executed in accordance with national regulations and environmental standards. Further updates will be provided as the CEC review process progresses.”
