Download - Wintershall HSE Annual Report 2012
Promoting resPonsibility. Health. Safety. Society. Environmental Protection.
Hse AnnuAl rePort 2012.
CONTENT.
03 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 CONTENT
04 Foreword.
06 Company Profi le.
08 HSE at Wintershall.
18 Safety.
32 Environmental Protection.
52 Occupational Health.
56 Corporate Social Responsibility.
62 Outlook.
64 At a glance: 2012 KPIs.
66 Contact.
67 Imprint.
FOREWORD.
04 | 05 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 FOREWORD
Energy is and always will be our business.
And energy is our future.
That’s why Wintershall strives to get even closer to the source, by
focusing on expanding exploration & production activities in Norway,
Russia, Argentina and the Middle East. For this, we are continuing
to work with tried and trusted partners and new ones as alike.
We take a sustainable approach to our energy future. For us, this
encompasses reconciling long-term commercial success with the
health and safety of all those involved and the protection of the
environment as well as our social responsibility.
As the leading German company in the exploration and production
of oil and gas, we are especially aware of our social responsibility.
After all, lasting economic success is not possible if we don’t pro-
tect health, safety and the environment (HSE). It is our aim to sys-
tematically reduce risks for people and the natural environment.
Therefore, HSE is our top priority. It is a fi rm part of our corporate
philosophy.
In 2012 we found another partner in Statoil who shares our views
on that. Like Wintershall, Statoil carries out its exploration & pro-
duction activities adhering to the highest environmental and safety
standards and is committed to extensive dialog with the public and
transparency. This is essential to creating acceptance for our activi-
ties. Additionally we are enhancing our partnership with Gazprom.
We are also pooling the technological skills of both companies in
the development of blocks IV and V of the Urengoy fi eld in develop-
ing the challenging reservoir of the Achimov horizon. We are also
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
going to be an active operator in Abu Dhabi. We can rely on 40 years
of experience when carrying out technical assessments of the
Shuweihat sour gas and condensate fi eld.
In Germany, we celebrated two jubilees. In Emlichheim, we produced
our 10 millionth tonne of crude oil. And we have been producing oil
from the Mittelplate fi eld in the ecologically challenging Wadden
Sea for 25 years. And with our tight gas project Düste and the
Schizophyllan fi eld test in Bockstedt we are proving that there is a
defi nite future for production in Germany! I was particularly proud
that the statutory accident insurance association for the raw mate-
rials and chemicals industry awarded four employees from the
Rehden site the occupational safety award for the development of
a system that makes the transport of pressurized gas cylinders
easier and safer. Also Winterhall’s own HSE award this year went to
Germany for a solution that optimizes the separation of quicksilver
in gas production.
Despite diffi cult conditions, we have achieved a lot in Libya. Daily
production is almost back to the maximum technical possible level.
We also see it as our responsibility to pragmatically support the
country’s development. Together with the Libyan national oil com-
pany NOC and AGOCO, we are working on establishing an export
infrastructure meeting international standards. And in 2013 we will
also support setting up health care in the Oasis of Jakhira.
The success that we had with our strategy in 2012 is refl ected in
our outstanding results. Wintershall managed to increase crude oil
and natural gas production to 144 million barrels of oil equivalent,
up from 113 in 2011. The company was able to increase its turnover
in 2012 by 39% to 16.7 billion euros compared to the previous year.
Of that fi gure, 5.33 billion euros were generated from Exploration &
Production and 11.37 billion from Natural Gas Trading.
In the fi eld of occupational health and safety our ambitious goal is
zero accidents in all our activities. Despite overall good results in 2012,
there is still room for improvement. After almost three years of zero
accidents, one of our own employees suffered a lost time injury (LTI)
and the frequency of accidents suffered by our contractors has
increased. Although safety-conscious work is the company’s top
priority and is practiced within the company, in 2013 we will have to
devote more attention and show even greater commitment to health
and safety at work. We will also have to take more responsibility for
health and safety and also demonstrate this. In day to day activities
each and every employee must pay more attention to their own safety
and that of their colleagues. The same goes for all contractors who
work for the Wintershall Group. At Wintershall, everybody counts!
Our targets for environmental protection support a sustainable de-
velopment. At the end of 2012, we discontinued fl aring associated
gas in routine operations in order to meet the highest international
standards. You can fi nd more information on that in this report
which specifi cally deals with the topic of fl aring and possible alter-
natives to it. Furthermore, as usual the report contains a summary
of our activities in the area of health, safety and the environment in
2012 as well as key performance indicators, which have been veri-
fi ed through an independent audit by KPMG.
We also intend to signifi cantly increase our investments in a sustain-
able future. At the top of our agenda is the development of environ-
mentally friendly solutions for the exploration and production of
hydrocarbons. These include genuine innovations, such as the bio-
polymer Schizophyllan. The idea came from nature itself. The base
material is a fungus. The biopolymer is biodegradable and in oil pro-
duction an eco-effi cient application. Wintershall strives to develop
a new environmentally friendly technology based on this innovation,
jointly with BASF in order to signifi cantly increase the oil recovery
rates of reservoirs. Together with BASF, we are also investigating
the development of environmentally friendly fracking fl uids.
None of this would be possible without competent, innovative, ex-
ceptionally motivated and, most importantly, healthy employees.
Therefore, something close to my heart is that Wintershall provides
the best possible working conditions. I am convinced that we are
exceptionally well prepared and that together we will be able to
overcome any future challenges in order to achieve a sustainable
and safe future.
Wintershall – promoting responsibility.
Dr. Rainer Seele
Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors
06 | 07 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 COmPANy PROfiLE
Wintershall, based in Kassel, Germany, has been actively involved in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas for more than 80 years. Wintershall focuses on selected core regions, where the company has built up a high level of regional and technological expertise. These are Europe, North Africa, South America, as well as Russia and the Caspian Sea region. it is also expanding its activities in the middle East. The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BASf, is now the largest German pro-ducer of crude oil and natural gas, and with its gas trading and transport subsidiaries, is also an important gas supplier to the German and European market.
Core regions and activities of Wintershall.
South AmericA
ruSSiA
cASpiAn SeA region
middle eAStnorth AfricA
South AmericA
europegermAnY
08 | 09 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 HSE AT WINTERSHALL
HSE AT WINTERSHALL.OUR PHILOSOPHY.
We assume responsibility – for people and the environment.
Values, standards and guidelines serve to protect the public and the
environment, but, fi rst and foremost, also our most important resource:
our staff. Our aim is to create the best possible working conditions
for our employees as well as opportunities for personal development,
enabling them to realize their potential.
Policy for Health, Safety and Environment Protection (HSE) As an important member of the BASF Group, Wintershall operates in the area
of exploration and production of oil and gas. In this Wintershall combines fi nancial
success with societal accountability and protection of the environment.
Therefore Wintershall’s management is strongly committed to adhere to the following
HSE-principles:
■ We view HSE as an integral part of all our activities and strive for continuous
improvement of our HSE performance. As a contribution to this we set our-selves
ambitious goals and develop tailor-made HSE-solutions.
■ We are convinced: “Everybody counts.” – Everyone working within the Wintershall
organization contributes to the implementation of this policy through well-thought-out
and dedicated action. This is equally valid for contractor companies of Wintershall.
■ We are going to perform our worldwide activities in such a manner, that we fulfi ll our
societal responsibility, especially concerning our employees, contractor employees,
our neighbors and the general public.
■ We rise to our responsibility for the global climate protection.
■ We pledge ourselves to adhere to international conventions, the local laws and
our self-set standards while performing our worldwide activities.
Economic success does not prevail over health, safety or environmental issues. Nothing
is so urgent or important, that justifi es neglecting these HSE principles.
The Board of Executive Directors
Dr. Seele Bachmann Dr. Tiessen Dr. König Mehren
Wintershall has laid down its position on HSE in a policy. Our HSE policy
is a core element of how we see ourselves and an important embodiment
of the key objectives of our company.
Policy.
10 | 11 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 HSE AT WINTERSHALL
HSE management system.
Our HSE policy is not an empty promise: it is fully integrated in all
our activities. Our HSE management system ensures that all our
principles for protecting health, the environment and occupational
safety are adequately taken into account. Our intelligent HSE man-
agement system helps us to reliably achieve what we really believe
in: combining commercial success with safety standards, social re-
sponsibility and environmental protection.
Thus, in the planning, development, implementation and monitoring
of our HSE policy we work according to an internationally recog-
nized standard often used in the oil and gas industry – known as
the 12-element model. These 12 elements are then grouped into
four steps. The result is a consistently effective way of implement-
ing our HSE policy.
We are constantly striving to improve the company-wide
HSE management system (WINS) by conducting an inten-
sive experience exchange and dialog between experts from
the headquarter, Operating Companies (OPCOs) and Busi-
ness Units (BUs) at Wintershall’s global locations through
our involvement in committees of the International Associa-
tion of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) and national associa-
tions such as the German oil and gas industry association,
Wirtschaftsverband Erdöl- und Erdgasgewinnung e.V. (WEG).
Well-planned 1. Policy, leadership & commitment
2. Hazards, risks, legal
& business requirements
3. Objectives, targets & HSE Programmes
Implemented 4. Organisation structure, roles & responsibilities
5. Training & competence
6. Communication & consultation
7. HSE MS documentation
8. Operational control
9. Emergency preparedness & response
Notifi ed 10. Incident reporting, investigation
& corrective action
11. Monitoring & measurement
System improved 12. Management review & system improvement
SYSTEMATIC HSE – SUCCESSFUL AND SAFE.4 STEPS – 12 ELEMENTS
Management.
Project management.
Wintershall has many years of experience in developing reservoirs
that are diffi cult to access and are geologically challenging. Hence,
every new exploration project places high demands in terms of plan-
ning. Above all, exploration in unknown regions requires particular
support for the employees and contractors on the ground. That is
why HSE experts support the project teams from an early stage.
Apart from feasibility studies for a project, examination of environ-
mental and safety aspects is an integral part of planning. This includes
environmental impact studies and process safety analyses, as well as
selection of contractors on the basis of HSE considerations. During
advance expeditions to the exploration area, risks are identifi ed and
suitable measures to minimize them are defi ned and summarized in
an HSE project plan.
Safety engineers regularly supervise and control activities during
the execution phase. Emergency concepts formulated at the out-
set are constantly reviewed and adapted as necessary.
Compliance with the relevant regulations and HSE standards is
ensured also in the operating phase. All projects at Wintershall are
planned and carried out according to the same HSE procedures.
Contractor management.
Many projects in the oil and gas industry are unimaginable without
the support of external experts. That is why Wintershall uses contrac-
tors in various areas, including large specialist fi rms to conduct drill-
ing campaigns, construction companies in infrastructure projects or
smaller subcontractors at the administrative locations.
Wintershall’s selection criteria for contractors are not limited to com-
mercial aspects. Environmental protection as well as occupational
health, safety and social standards are also taken into account in
assessing new and existing contractor re lation ships. With regards
to compliance with HSE standards, the Winters hall Group places
the same high requirements on its contractors as on its own em-
ployees. Consequently, the company applies strict criteria in the
selection of contractors and reviews these criteria regularly.
Incident management.
Wintershall promotes safety at work through risk assessments,
procedures, seminars, training courses and audits. Reporting and
investigation of incidents plays a key role in prevention and helps
increase the standard of safety even further. Wintershall has estab-
lished a reporting system that includes all locations worldwide. De-
tailed analysis of incidents helps to identify and assess their causes.
Incidents where there was a high severity potential are also investi-
gated. The results are used to derive measures to prevent incidents
in future.
Crisis management.
Wintershall’s HSE management system purpose is to prevent inci-
dents. However, in order to be able to respond to unexpected events,
Wintershall has a clearly defi ned and interdisciplinary crisis man-
agement system. Only a planned and organized approach ensures
the best-possible prevention and management of emergencies.
Emergency plans, regu lar safety exercises and annual drills for ma-
jor incidents aim to ensure an ideal response. Training courses help
sensitize and prepare employees. HSE experts and management
are responsible for drawing up, maintaining and supervising the
measures and documentation for emergency planning.
12 | 13 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 HSE AT WINTERSHALL
Acting sustainably.
An example of our work to protect the environment and the climate
is our “No Flaring Policy.” As part of this policy we have committed
to stop fl aring associated gas by the end of 2012. Existing facilities
have been retrofi tted to accommodate this objective and new
facilities are designed with integrated associated gas utilization.
This saves around two million tonnes of CO2 a year. Consequently,
Wintershall meets the highest international standards for environ-
mentally friendly oil production.
2020 environmental target already achieved.No Flaring Policy.
Wintershall works according to the highest safety, environmental
protection and transparency standards as a matter of principle. As
part of a voluntarily negotiated agreement, Wintershall forgoes the
use of drilling and fracking technology in sensitive regions such as
water protection areas. We also limit our drilling activities to a few
central well sites so as to use as little land space as possible. We
do not use hydraulic fracturing in the immediate vicinity of old coal
and other mines. The hydraulic fracturing liquid we use for fracking
does not exceed the currently applicable water hazard classifi cation
level 1 (= slightly hazardous to water). The integrity of our wells’ casing
is regularly tested. The safety standards formulated by Wintershall
also apply to all contractor companies.
Voluntarily self-committment.
A mission statement substantiates the environmental protection
guidelines from the Wintershall Group’s HSE policy. It illustrates just
how important environmental protection is for Wintershall and governs
the company’s environmental management through detailed guide-
lines. The aim is to minimize environmental impacts. We protect
sensitive habitats and preserve biodiversity. To do that, we employ
environmentally friendly and effi cient technology and methods and
promote innovative research and development. As part of our busi-
ness processes, we rely on suitable methods such as environmental
impact assessments, appraisals, inspection, risk analyses, monitor-
ing programs, management reviews and audits. And we ensure
that our communication is transparent and open.
Environmental protection statement. Setting standards.
OUR ACTIVITIES.
The exploration, production and transport of crude oil and natural gas always also entails an intervention in the social
and natural environment that requires particular care. Even before we start our operations, we assess the potential
impact on people and the environment, taking social aspects and the protection of cultural heritage into account.
We are constantly working on improving all our processes to use resources even more effi ciently and further minimize
the impact on people and the environment.
In 2012 we surpassed our subsidiary company Gascade’s target of
reducing specifi c CO2 emissions in transport of natural gas. The
specifi c CO2 emissions were accounted for in terms of the amount
of natural gas transported and the hauling distance covered. The
reduction target was 10% by 2020 in relation to the base year
2010: by bringing particularly energy-effi cient pipelines on line we
have been able to reduce the fi gure by 22.15%. With an increase in
the degree of capacity utilization of the pipelines and the related
increase in energy consumption for our natural gas compressors,
specifi c emissions will increase in the future.
ACTIVELY WORKING FOR PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
14 | 15 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 HSE AT WINTERSHALL
What was the biggest challenge in 2012?
The biggest challenge actually ended up being the biggest success
story: the implementation of the company’s “No Flaring” target.
Making good use of associated gas from oil production in routine
operations instead of fl aring it, seems like the obvious thing to do
these days, yet in taking this step Wintershall is an exemption in the
industry. We are particularly pleased that we have could achieve
largest CO2 reductions in the Libyan Desert. This proves that environ-
mental protection is not only possible and necessary in highly devel-
oped industrialized countries, but also everywhere around the world.
What other success stories have made you proud?
The award from the statutory accident insurance association for the
raw materials and chemicals industry, for example. The award-win-
ning system for the safe transportation of pressurized gas cylinders
was developed by a team of employees on their own initiative. The
award is proof that our occupational health and safety work is ex-
tremely innovative and that we are progressing in the right direction.
For years Wintershall has also had its own internal HSE award in
order to encourage employees to improve safety standards.
Why is it so important to get employees involved?
In general, the idea is to create a greater sense of personal respon-
sibility, not just in terms of innovation, but in day-to-day life. If each
and every employee pays attention to their own safety and that of
their colleagues, the likelihood of accidents automatically reduces
itself. That applies to contractors as well, of course. We want to
create a culture of safety and ensure that people are aware of the
need for safe conduct. The entire Board of Executive Directors
wholeheartedly supports us on that front.
Which challenges will the company face next year?
One of our central tasks, which will be very challenging, is to inte-
grate the Norwegian production platform Brage. Assuming opera-
tion of the platform means that we need to integrate it into our HSE
concept. We don’t want to simply tear up the previous operator’s
tried and tested safety and environmental systems; instead we will
replace some of them where we have better solutions. We will also
continue with our economic and humanitarian commitments in
Libya in order to create better conditions for the population in the
long-terms.
IN DISCUSSION:
Corporate HSE Manager
Guido Schnieders talks
about current and future
health, safety and
environment requirements.
Pay attention for each other!
ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY.
16 | 17 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 HSE AT WINTERSHALL
AWARDED EMPLOYEES.
Nominees HSE-Award 2012
Innovative solutions in the fi eld of health, safety and environment
are encouraged at Wintershall. Since 2007, the company has been
giving out an award for exceptional HSE projects and, since 2010,
also an award for simple solutions. Every two years, this award re-
wards proactive measures that have been successfully implemented
at the company and have resulted in a clear improvement in the
fi eld of HSE. The aim is to continuously improve HSE performance.
All submitted applications are made available to the sites around the
world, so that. they can be taken up and adopted by other teams.
The HSE Projects category is characterized by large-scale solutions
that tend to redefi ne technical processes. In 2012, the award win-
ner for this category was announced for the fi fth time. The Simple
Solutions category recognizes simple but by no means less valua-
ble solutions that have tangible effects on everyday work through
small changes. Both technical and organizational measures can
win the award.
HSE Award 2012 rewards German operations.
Nearly all of our locations submitted ideas for the 2012 challenge.
In total, 23 entries were received. In the HSE Projects category, the
winning entry dealt with optimizing the separation of mercury in
natural gas production in Rehden. The facilities in Rehden were
modifi ed so that mercury could be removed from the gas prior to
compression and removal of fuel gas so that it is no longer present
in the process. There is therefore no longer any risk of maintenance
staff getting into contact with the mercury and environmental risks
are further reduced at the same time.
In the Simple Solutions category, the winning entry was a magnetic
board specially designed for platforms or sites with little space which
makes emergency management easier. In the event of an incident,
it combines all the relevant measures and information and structures
them using symbols. This helps those in charge of the platform to
understand what is happening more quickly.
An award for innovative solutions.
Natural gas production:
Optimization of the
separation of mercury.
Emergency Response Board –
At a glance.
AWARD
HSE
SAFETY.
18 | 19 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 SAFETY
ALWAYS THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.
Our Employees’ safety is Wintershall’s top priority – whether they are
our own employees or contractors. Responsibility, a pro-active approach
and personal commitment from everyone are vital to ensuring a high
standard Safety in the long term.
Our managers take on responsibility for their employees so that every
single one of them feels safe at work and returns back home healthy.
The same applies to our contractors, who have to meet strict
requirements but are also actively supported in their HSE work.
SAFETY FIRST.
20 | 21 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 SAFETY
All the data presented in this report and bases for calculations are
in line with national and international standards in the E&P industry.
As a member of the International Association of Oil and Gas Pro-
ducers (OGP) and the German oil and gas industry association,
Wirtschaftsverband Erdöl- und Erdgasgewinnung e.V. (WEG), Win-
tershall uses the defi nitions of both internationally recognized as-
sociations when compiling data.
Despite overall good results in 2012, there is still room for improve-
ment. We recorded the fi rst Lost Time Injury (LTI) for almost three
years with one of our own employees. This gives us a Lost Time
Injury Frequency (LTIF) of 0.2. There is also room for improvement
with Wintershall Group contractors. The number of LTIs in 2012
rose to 10, giving us a LTIF of 1.48 compared to 0.75 in 2011.
These fi gures result in an overall LTIF for the Wintershall group of
0.93 in 2012. More extensive measures to prevent such accidents
in the future have been defi ned and actively implemented. Each
and every employee will also have to pay even more attention to
their own safety and that of their colleagues than before. The same
applies to all contractors who work for the Wintershall Group.
In terms of its occupational safety, Wintershall is still one of the most
successful companies within the BASF Group and in the German
E&P industry. Always working with safety in mind is the company’s
top priority and is practiced within the day-to-day work. Our goal in
2013 is to avoid any type of incident. With enhanced standards and
even more commitment, we strive to continuously improve the high
safety level and our performance. We are working hard to create an
active culture of safety and encourage employees to take personal
responsibility for their actions. Management and employees sup-
port this safety culture and are implementing it.
Regular training sessions help to avoid accidents but also inform
the staff how to behave in an emergency. In 2012, the Wintershall
Group carried out numerous large-scale drills all around the world.
One of them was one of the largest, industry-wide emergency drills
in Norway with over 600 participants as well as the annual major
incident drill at the natural gas storage facility in Rehden.
Key Performance Indicators for Occupational Safety.
Wintershall / WINGAS Contractors
Year 2012 2011 2012 2011
Number of employees* 2,514 2,281 3,136 3,213
Working hours 5,094,822 4,158,736 6,753,346 6,651,894
Fatal accidents (FAT) 0 0 0 0
Incident with > 1 day lost (LTI) 1 0 10 5
Lost Time Injury Frequency per
million working hours (LTIF)0.20 0 1.48 0.75
*Excluding temporary employees; part-time employees pro rata.
22 | 23 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 SAFETY | ACTIVITIES
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY WORLDWIDE:
OUR ACTIVITIES IN 2012.
Wintershall applies special safety measures in its exploration and
production activities offshore. This applies to material and technol-
ogy but also to personnel. Due to the fact that there is no stipulated
training for working on platforms, Wintershall provides its own inter-
nal training in order to provide junior staff members with the compe-
tencies required for offshore work. The platform qualifi cation focuses
on safety-related issues and is completed after two years with a
theoretical and practical test. All offshore employees also receive
safety-related inductions and take part in regular drills.
The Netherlands and Great Britain.
With its low water depths and low reservoir pressure, the North Sea
is a very safe production environment. Nonetheless, in response to
the unfortunate events in the Gulf of Mexico, the E&P industry has
raised standards further. As a result, Wintershall supported the
development of a capping device to be deployed in case of a well
control incident, under the umbrella of the International Association
of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP). The cylindrical construction can
be transported from its base on the Scottish coast to any part of
the North Sea extremely quickly in order to seal a well in a con-
trolled way. Since 2012 it is available.
The device has its own power supply and complex control technol-
ogy. It acts as a large bottle cap: in an emergency, it can be lowered
from the deck of a ship and placed over an out-of-control well.
Then, any leaking oil or gas can be safely transported away and
counter pressure can be built up against the reservoir, using remote-
controlled valves. This allows for experts to drill relief wells and per-
manently seal the well with cement. Only then is the cap removed
and transported back to its base in Aberdeen. Despite the fact that
it weighs 40 tonnes, it can be transported using small vessels, as
the emergency device can be disassembled.
The technology is primarily suitable for deeper areas that cannot be
readily accessed by divers. It has been constructed for water depths
ranging from 100 to 3,000 meters and can remain on the seabed for
up to one year. The material is particularly resilient in order to with-
stand the water pressure and low ambient temperatures at depth.
Capping Device for boreholes.
Platform qualifi cation.
Wintershall Norge organizes one of Norway’s largest ever emergency drills.
Appropriate emergency plans and drills are standard. In emergen-
cies, however, cooperation with rescue and relief units and authori-
ties is paramount. In November 2012, Wintershall led one of the oil
and gas industry’s emergency exercises in Norway. It was hosted by
the Operators’ Emergency Response Association (OERA), of which
Wintershall forms a part. As part of the drill, a helicopter accident
was simulated off the Norwegian coast near Kristiansund. Strategic
nerve centers were set up offshore, at the airport and in hospitals
as well as a control room in a hotel. All processes, including medical
treatment of the injured, were acted out by the 600+ participants.
Wintershall set up crisis teams in Stavanger and Kassel in order to
coordinate the rescue and recovery measures and to introduce
other steps such as briefi ng the media. Preparations for the drill
lasted a year and the drill was carried out under realistic conditions
24 | 25 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 SAFETY | ACTIVITIES
Norway.
in order to highlight potential areas for improvement. It also helped
with getting acquainted with the other stakeholders.
HSE Family Day.
Around 180 employees and their families participated in the fi rst
HSE Family Day in Norway in 2012. The aim of the day was to high-
light safety risks in people’s private lives given that safety isn’t just
something to be aware of at work. At various stations, visitors were
able to play games on incident prevention and correct conduct in
the event of an emergency. Particular focus was placed on children
who haven’t yet the experience to be able to assess situations
properly yet. They were introduced to topics such as the dangers
of road traffi c or fi rst aid, depending on their age.
COORDINATION AND TEAMWORK.
26 | 27 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 SAFETY | ACTIVITIES
Abu Dhabi.
An agreement has been signed between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC),
Wintershall and OMV for the technical appraisal of the Shuweihat sour gas and condensate fi eld.
Competent sour gas prodution.
The Shuwaihat fi eld in Abu Dhabi has promising deposits of hydro-
carbons. Despite initial evidence at the end of the 1950s, extraction
of the natural gas was considered impossible for a long time, since
it was sour gas. The extraction of the gas, recognizable for its sour,
sulfuric smell, poses high demands on material, technology and
HSE precautions. Wintershall has many years of expertise in the
safe development of sour gas reservoirs and will assess the fi eld in
the Persian Gulf from a technical perspective for the fi rst time.
The fi rst appraisal well is planned for mid-2013. A drilling rig that is
designed for sour gas service will be used. Used pipes are made
from resilient special steel, and a variety of gas detectors and cut-off
valves are installed in order to rule out any uncontrolled discharge
of hydrogen sulfi de. The safety features of the drilling project include
extensive risk analyses, that identify potential hazards in advance
and lay down corresponding safety measures, equipment specifi -
cations, emergency plans and training sessions for the drilling crew.
An extensive exclusion zone is also set up in order to prevent en-
dangering of the general puplic.
The appraisal phase should be concluded latest 2017. If the out-
come is positive, economic development of the Shuweihat fi eld
could commence. All production facilities would then have to be
designed to accommodate for sour gas. For example, a purifi cation
plant would separate out the hydrogen sulfi de using a solvent. This
could then be transformed into pure sulfur which could be used as
a raw material in the pharmaceutical or fertilizer production.
As part of the appraisal project in Abu Dhabi, Wintershall can make
use of its proven know-how in the production of sour gas. The com-
pany’s experience stretches back as far as 1961 when the Düste
fi eld was discovered. Since then, Wintershall has developed 16 fi elds
in Germany, produced 20 billion cubic meters of sour gas and in-
stalled four plants for gas purifi cation.
Sour gasSour gas is natural gas that contains hydrogen sulfi de and carbon
dioxide. Both components are extremely corrosive and can attack
production plants and pipelines if they have not been properly pro-
tected. Hydrogen sulfi de is also higher toxic at low concentrations.
New pipeline for safe transport.
During the political unrest in Libya in 2011, Wintershall had ceased
local production for several months in order to rule out any danger
for the environment, people and facilities. After the situation was
assessed safe, Wintershall became one of the fi rst companies to
recommence operations. At the same time, it helped to reconstruct
the country’s infrastructure and economy and, as a result, also sup-
ported other companies.
Together with the National Oil Corporation, a Libyan state-owned
company, Wintershall in 2012 began to construct a 50-km long oil
pipeline in the desert. It replaces an existing pipeline installed by the
Arabian Gulf Oil Company (AGOCO), which transports oil from the
Nafoora fi eld and the Wintershall concession C96 to a terminal in
the Amal fi eld. Due to the disrupture in operations the old pipeline
lost its integrity: in dips, water could collect in the empty pipe and
caused corrosion.
Through the replacement pipeline, oil can be safely transported to the
Amal fi eld again, from where it is taken to the export port Ras Lanuf.
Life-Saving Rules.
In order to improve production safety in Libya’s production, the lo-
cal employees have drawn up their own Life-Saving Rules (LSRs)
which highlight the specifi c hazards at their site. Based on recom-
mendations of the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers,
an internal team of experts identifi ed potential hazards that could
lead to accidents. The Life-Saving Rules are a set of mandatory
rules. They are designed to raise employees’ awareness of hazards
and hazardous conduct at the workplace and hence contribute to
reducing the number of accidents and injuries.
Libya.
28 | 29 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 SAFETY | ACTIVITIES
Wintershall has a strong partner in developing safety solutions. As
part of the Scientifi c and Technical Cooperation (STC) with the Rus-
sian natural gas producer Gazprom, the HSE experts of both com-
panies regularly share information and expertise. Wintershall and
Gazprom started to exchange knowledge and experience in 1992.
The companies pool their expertise covering all activities in the nat-
ural gas business. The topics of health, safety, environment and
sustainability are gaining more and more importance. Together the
experts search for solutions in saving energy in the production,
storage and transport of natural gas or making technical processes
safer and more environmentally friendly. Both companies benefi t
from the HSE-related cooperation. It is planned to expand the cor-
porartion over the next few years in order to continually improve
HSE standards.
20 years of “Scientifi c and Technical Cooperation”.
Russia.
30 | 31 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 SAFETY | ACTIVITIES
Innovative ideas that improve safety in day-to-day work are not only
rewarded by Wintershall internally. In 2012 a team of Wintershall
employees received the award from the statutory accident insur-
ance association for the raw materials and chemicals industry. Four
Wintershall employees from the Rehden site in Lower Saxony de-
veloped a special system with which pressurized gas cylinders can
be lifted on to vans easily and safely.
Previously, loading and transporting pressurized gas cylinders held
safety concerns. The gas cylinders, weighing up to 80kg each, al-
ways had to be carried by two people and could easily slip out of
their hands due to their round shape and smooth surface. The solu-
tion was a combined holding, loading and transportation system
fi rmly connected to the vehicle. This results in one person being
able to perform the loading and unloading safely without risking
injury to their back. Since each gas cylinder is tilted on the loading
area, only around a quarter of its weight actually needs to be lifted.
The cylinder is put onto the loading area using a rail guide and
locked in place ready for transportation.
The statutory accident insurance association recognized the one-man
transportation system as an innovative development in which “safe-
ty, ergonomics and economic effi ciency go hand in hand”. The system
stood out thanks to its broad fi eld of application in many industries.
Germany and Europe.
Wintershall receives renowned award for occupational safety.
Safety is of a high priority at Wintershall every day. The
company takes its responsibility in terms of the environ-
ment, the population and its own employees very seriously,
every day of the year. As part of the fi rst BASF Global Safety
Days in autumn 2012, various HSE topics were put in the
spotlight. Presentations and additional information were
used to encourage employees at the various locations to
consider safety aspects in their conduct. As part of the
Safety Days, the OGP’s 18 Life-Saving Rules were present-
ed, which Wintershall helped to develop. The rules aim to
increase employees’ awareness of hazards at the workplace.
Other awareness-raising days dealt with sustainable oper-
ations, natural gas as an environmentally friendly source of
energy, ergonomics at work and hearing protecting during
leisure time.
Global Safety Days.
The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP)
has created standardized rules for preventing accidents at
work. The 18 so-called OGP Life-Saving Rules are based
on extensive studies of accidents that were reported to the
association by member companies over the last 20 years.
Analysis has shown that a large proportion of the accidents
could have been prevented if basic safety rules had been
followed. Wintershall worked hard to contribute to stand-
ardizing the rules. As an OGP member, Wintershall is
obliged to integrate the Life-Saving Rules into all of its busi-
ness activities.
Standardized Life-Saving Rules for the E&P industry.
The Core Life-Saving Rules* for the Oil & Gas Industry
There is a significant risk of dropped
objects when using tools and port-
able equipment at height. Preventing
objects from falling keeps you and
people working below you safe.
A journey management plan is a plan
for you as a driver that will help you
to travel and arrive safely.
FOLLOW PRESCRIBED
JOURNEY MANAGEMENT PLAN
PREVENT DROPPED OBJECTS
Isolation separates you from danger,
such as electricity, pressure, toxic
materials, poisonous gas, chemicals,
hot liquids or radiation to keep you
safe. Specified life-protecting equip-
ment by the work permit, such as
breathing apparatus, electrical arc
flash protection or chemical resistant
suits protect you from danger.
VERIFY ISOLATION BEFORE
WORK BEGINS, USE THE SPECIFIED
LIFE PROTECTING EQUIPMENT
Working “in the line of fire” of
moving equipment (e.g. cranes
and other vehicles) and energised
equipment (e.g. rotating , electrical
or pressurised machinery) is unsafe
as this can impact you.
POSITION YOURSELF IN A SAFE
ZONE IN RELATION TO MOVING
AND ENERGISED EQUIPMENT
Air is tested to stop explosions
and/or make sure you can
breathe the air safely.
CONDUCT GAS TESTS
WHEN REQUIRED
PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST A
FALL WHEN WORKING AT HEIGHT
Personal flotation devices should
always be worn when there is a
danger of falling into water. When
working near or on water, wearing a
personal flotation device (e.g. life
jackets or buoyancy aids) protects
you from drowning.
WEAR A PERSONAL FLOTATION
DEVICE WHEN REQUIRED
A lift plan describes how to lift and
hoist safely. For routine lifts, there
needs to be a general lift plan. For
non-routine lifts, including complex
and heavy lifts, the plan is specific.
FOLLOW PRESCRIBED LIFT PLAN
Working or walking immediately
under a suspended load is unsafe
as the load can fall on you.
DO NOT WALK UNDER
A SUSPENDED LOAD
Working with equipment immediately
under or near overhead lines is
unsafe as an electrical current or
flashover can kill you. Maintain
adequate distance to keep you safe.
DO NOT WORK UNDER OR
NEAR OVERHEAD ELECTRIC
POWER LINES
A seat belt protects you from injury
in the event of an incident while
driving and keeps you safe.
WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT
Speeding or using your phone while
driving increases the risk of losing
control of your vehicle.
WHILE DRIVING, DO NOT USE
YOUR PHONE AND DO NOT
EXCEED SPEED LIMITS
*developed by OGP
Use fall protection equipment
when working outside a protective
environment where you can fall
over 1.8 meters (6 feet) to keep
you safe.
A work permit describes what you
must do to stay safe.
WORK WITH A VALID WORK
PERMIT WHEN REQUIRED
Safety-critical equipment must work
correctly to keep you safe.
OBTAIN AUTHORISATION BEFORE
OVERRIDING OR DISABLING
SAFETY CRITICAL EQUIPMENT
Excavation activities may contain
hazards such as electrical cables,
confined space, collapse of walls or
excavated material. Check that it is
safe to start work.
OBTAIN AUTHORISATION BEFORE
STARTING EXCAVATION ACTIVITIES
A confined space, such as a vessel,
tank or pipe can contain explosive
gas, poisonous air or other dangers
such as a lack of oxygen, things that
can fall on you or you can fall from.
Authorised access keeps you safe.
OBTAIN AUTHORISATION BEFORE
ENTERING A CONFINED SPACE
Using alcohol or illegal drugs,
or misusing legal drugs or other
substances, will reduce your ability
to do your job safely.
Smoking or use of matches or cigarette
lighters could set on fire flammable
materials. Designated smoking areas,
such as a smoking hut or a smoking
room, will keep you safe from causing
fire and explosion.
DO NOT SMOKE OUTSIDE
DESIGNATED SMOKING AREAS
NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
WHILE WORKING OR DRIVING
GENERAL
PERSONAL SAFETY
AUTHORISATION
LOADS AND LIFTING
DRIVING
32 | 33 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Wintershall Group is committed to the responsible use of natural
resour ces in the exploration, fi eld development, production and
transport of hydrocarbons. We face the challenges by acting responsibly,
applying high standards and driving technical innovation.
Environmental protection is in our own fi nancial interests. Therefore,
the preservation of natural resources, the prevention of emissions and
waste are integral parts of the exploration and production process.
A key factor to our success is effi cient use of the resources required
to fi nd and produce reserves with new or improved methods and
therefore to minimize.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
FOR SAFEFUTURE.
We have stopped fl aring,
thereby implementing our No Flaring Policy.
Global fl aring of associated gas destroys valuable energy sources. At the same time, large quantities of greenhouse
gases are emitted into the atmosphere. In order to set an example of a responsible and sustainable approach to
resource management and the environment, Wintershall had set itself the target of ceasing to fl are associated gas in
routine operations by the end of 2012. This voluntarily self-imposed commitment goes far beyond what is required by
law and standards and is unique in the industry.
34 | 35 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION | NO FLARING POLICY
On production of crude oil, associated gases come to surface with
it. For a long time, they were viewed as a useless by-product, par-
ticularly in areas without any existing gas infrastructure. It was cus-
tomary practice to burn (fl are) the unused natural gas on site. Many
people therefore associate a burning gas fl are with oil production.
However, in the meantime, fl aring has begun to be seen as eco-
nomically and ecologically questionable as the fossil energy in the
associated gas is simply lost and cannot be used. Also a lot of
greenhouse gases are emitted, which make up a large proportion
of the E&P industry’s overall emissions.
A few years ago, Wintershall began to search for alternative solu-
tions. Thanks to investments in innovative technology, the company
has since been able to continually reduce fl aring at its production
sites. Most recently, 95% of the associated gas was effi ciently used
for generating electricity and heat, preventing around two million
tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions a year. The reduction is around
60% of Wintershall’s entire emissions previously. In 2012, the com-
pany’s “No Flaring Policy” was fully implemented: from now on, no
associated gas will ever be fl ared at any production sites as part of
regular operations. Flaring will only be used in exceptional cases,
for example when testing a well or as part of maintenance and repair
work. All new facilities are built with a unit for using the associated
gas, and old facilities were retrofi tted accordingly.
Pioneer in Libya.
This has enabled the company to considerably improve the sus-
tainability of its activities. The activities in Libya account for the lion’s
share of the effi cient use of associated gas. The crucial factor in this
was the development of the As Sarah oil fi eld which enabled Win-
tershall to considerably increase production: because, up until now,
fl aring had been the only option in the desert region for channeling
off the escaping associated gas, environmental impacts would
have been serious. Instead, Wintershall built a special facility for
gas utilization. In the Gas Utilization Plant (GUP), the natural gas is
processed so that it can be used to generate electricity. Some of
the gas is used to increase the capacity of the company’s own
power station. Any excess gas is sold off and is used for generating
electricity for the region and the capital city, Tripoli. At the same time,
any condensate accumulated during the gas processing is trans-
ferred through pipelines to a terminal belonging to the Libyan oil
company Zueitina where it is processed further.
Wintershall also uses a gas lift facility at the As Sarah fi eld. Addition-
ally Wintershall operates a gas lift facility at the As-Sarah fi eld. There
associated gas is compressed and injected into the well. This re-
duces the hydrostatic weight of the oil column and allows production
to take place using less energy. Since the other Libyan production
locations are connected to the central processing facilities of the
As Sarah and Nahkla fi elds, Wintershall has been able to proceed
without any fl aring whatsoever and put all of the associated gas to
good use, and is the fi rst oil company in Libya to do so. Invest-
ments were made although not legally obligatory and no additional
revenue is associated with the generation of tradable emission cer-
tifi cates as Libya is not a Party to the Kyoto Protocol.
Innovative technologies at German sites.
Wintershall has also pushed ahead with various projects in Germany
in order to implement the No Flaring strategy by the end of 2012.
The last gas fl are was extinguished in Landau in Palatinate. The as-
sociated gas will be used to generate heat for the facility in the future.
In Aitingen in Bavaria, a micro gas turbine was tested and later
permanently put into operation.
The main benefi ts for the environment in Germany have been in
Emlichheim. Wintershall set up a compressor associated gas, which
accumulates in the course of oil refi ning. Due to low pressure, it
was not possible to use the gas in the past and it had to be fl ared
for safety reasons. The compressor reaches a pressure of four bar.
It can then be fed to the steam fl ooding plant where it can be used
as fuel for steam generation. This protects the environment on two
levels: every year, around one million cubic meters less of fresh gas
need to be purchased and emissions at the site are reduced too.
A cogeneration unit is supporting this too, which is used in crude oil
loading. It generates heat and power from associated gas that
forms in the storage tanks of the tank wagons and previously would
have been fl ared. As a result of these new innovations, Emlichheim
now produces more than 1,300 tonnes of CO2 equivalent less a
year. The overall CO2 emissions were reduced by 25,000 tonnes on
account of the construction of a powerful combined heat and power
plant. It uses previously unused uneconomically viable natural gas
to produce power and steam for production.
All of the measures together have led to a signifi cant increase in the
effi ciency and sustainability of Wintershall’s oil production. Associ-
ated gas is now used, generally on site at the facilities. This reduces
the need for transporting and additional emissions. At a time when
fl aring is still practiced in many regions by many companies, these
examples show just how well economic and ecological goals can
work hand in hand.
36 | 37 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION | NO FLARING POLICY
GOAL ACHIEVED: WINTERSHALL STOPS FLARING.
38 | 39 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION I KPIs
As a wholly-owned subsidiary of BASF SE, Wintershall is commit-
ted to the Responsible Care Initiative. In accordance with BASF’s
Responsible Care Reporting Guidelines, environmental emissions
relating to the production of crude oil and natural gas are reported
as a ratio of Wintershall’s participating interest in the consortium in
question. As a member of the International Association of Oil & Gas
Producers (OGP), Wintershall has been reporting its environmental
emissions in exploration and production as part of the OGP’s
“Environmental Performance in the E&P Industry” report since 2006.
Water.
Production and waste water is generated in the exploration and pro-
duction of crude oil and natural gas. We try to recycle as much water
as we can by using innovative technologies and closed systems.
In 2012 a total of 15.5 million m3 of water were used (2011: 10.7
million m3), with the majority being produced reservoir water with a
volume of 13.2 million m3 (2011: 9.5 million m3). Around 9.2 million m3
of reservoir water were re-injected into the reservoirs after being
separated from the crude oil and natural gas at the surface and
cleaned. A total of 4 million m3 of production water from our off-
shore platforms were discharged into the sea after being cleaned in
compliance with the statutory threshold limits.
Around 2.3 million m3 of other types of waste water were also gener-
ated. Examples are the waste water generated by the construction
and operation of cavern storage facilities (solution mining) or during
cleaning operations and water treatment.
Waste water is also cleaned and disposed of in line with regulations
at locations where Wintershall is not connected to the public sew-
erage system.
2012 Key Performance Indicators
for environmental protection.
Environmental protection.
We have been able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with
numerous projects aimed at improving energy effi ciency. As such,
Wintershall’s crude oil plants today supply operations in Germany
with in-house produced electricity and use micro gas turbines,
cogeneration plants and combined heat and power plants to do
this, for example at Bockstedt and Emlichheim. Gas, which pre-
viously could not be used cost-effectively, is used to generate
electricity and steam. The application of this new technology has
reduced CO2 emissions by around 31,000 tonnes per annum.
The WINGAS Group also strongly supports efforts to implement
the change in energy policy in Germany (known as the “energy
transition”) and in particular is examining the possibilities of trad-
ing, storing and transporting the gas harnessed from renewable
energies, known as “power to gas.”
Reservoir wateris a mixture of water, salt, hydrocarbons and other materials which
occur naturally in the reservoir alongside oil and gas. Reservoir water
is produced together with the oil and gas.
Energy.
We use electrical energy to produce, process and transport crude
oil and natural gas, for example to drive pumps and compressors,
as well as thermal energy in the form of steam to produce oil. Depend-
ing on the location of our production sites relative to the supply net-
works, we obtain electricity from the public grid or produce it our-
selves at remote locations. In 2012 we used a total of 759,390 MWh
in electrical energy and 469,486 tonnes of steam for our processes.
We are constantly working to improve energy effi ciency in energy
use and generation. Examples are the commissioning of a highly
effi cient combined heat and power generation (CHP) plant at our
Emlichheim location in Germany and installation of a system to en-
able use of exhaust heat at a gas turbine generator plant in Nakhla
in Libya.
Waste.
Waste can be generated during the exploration and production of
crude oil and natural gas as a result of the production processes.
We try to avoid such waste wherever possible. Unavoidable waste is
recycled and disposed of according to regulations. Wintershall also
disposes of waste properly and in an environmentally friendly way
in regions where there are no public or private means of disposal.
Waste is classifi ed, stored, handled, transported and disposed of in
accordance with the applicable legislation of the country in ques-
tion. In addition, Wintershall adheres to international and company
standards. Waste is classifi ed into the categories “hazardous waste”
and “non-hazardous waste” according to EU regulations.
160,837 tonnes of waste were produced at Wintershall in 2012
(2011: 80,436). Of that, 131,147 tonnes were hazardous waste
(2011: 49,987) and 29,690 tonnes were non-hazardous waste
(2011: 30,449). Approximately 16.8% of the waste was recycled or
subject to energy recovery, 2.7% was burned and 80.5% was dis-
posed of in accordance with regulations.
In 2012, a large proportion of the waste, especially in Germany, ac-
crued due to measures concerning the recultivation of three drilling
fl uid waste sites and operational waste sites, renaturation, restora-
tion of drilling sites, reorganization of existing production sites, ex-
tensive drilling and construction activities.
RETREAT,CULTIVATION,RENATURATION.
40 | 41 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION I EMISSIONS
Reducing emissions.
Emissions are created in the exploration, production and transpor-
tation of crude oil and natural gas as a result of the energy required
in these tasks – energy must be generated or imported in the form
of electricity, process heat, steam and pressure. Since the produc-
tion facilities are often located in remote areas, energy must be
generated on site, normally using fossil sources, such as gas, heat-
ing oil or diesel. These emit a number of substances into the air
during thermal conversion. Other processes where substances are
emitted into the air are the discontinuous fl aring of associated gas
or condensate during production for safety reasons or as part of
maintenance measures.
As Germany’s largest producer of crude oil and natural gas and
a company that operates worldwide, Wintershall accepts its re-
sponsibility to protect the global climate. Apart from complying with
international conventions, local laws and our own standards, we
help to reduce emissions by developing and using leading-edge
technologies and new or improved methods to increase energy
effi ciency, thus continually reducing the impact on the environment,
energy consumption and also costs at the same time.
Infl uencing factors.
Greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of crude
oil and natural gas fl uctuate for a number of production-related rea-
sons. Projects, such as development of new fi elds, testing of wells,
construction of pipelines or scheduled plant shutdowns for mainte-
nance or repair work, as well as safety reasons may infl uence the
volume of greenhouse gas emissions.
Emissions.
TECHNOLOGY ANDENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
42 | 43 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION I EMISSIONS
Emissions in 2012 (t) Emissions in 2011 (t)
SOURCE OF CO2 EMISSIONS
Production processes 856,135 945,808
Indirect (import/export of electricity/steam) 87,790 98,673
Direct (electricity and steam production) 406,452 298,975
SOURCE OF CH4 EMISSIONS
Production, undifferentiated 3,164 4,057
INORGANIC SUBSTANCES
Total inorganic substances 3,441 2,808
Carbon monoxide (CO) 1,299 1,277
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) as NO2 1,914 1,311
Sulfur oxides (SO2+SO3) as SO2 228 217
ORGANIC SUBSTANCES
Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC)
1,553 2,347
OTHER SUBSTANCES
Particulate matter 29 26
Greenhouse gas emissions.
Emissions released into the air are regularly monitored in accord-
ance with statutory stipulations and our own standards. As well as
greenhouse gas emissions, we ascertain emissions of air pollutants.
These include inorganic gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitro-
gen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). Apart from carbon dioxide
(CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4), no other greenhouse
gases are emitted by Wintershall.
In 2012, Wintershall slightly increased its overall greenhouse gas
emissions by 0.5% compared to the previous year. As a result of
the Wintershall Group’s production, in 2012 a total of 1.35 million
tonnes of CO2 (2011: 1.34 million tonnes of CO2) and 3,164 tonnes
of CH4 (2011: 4,057 tonnes of CH4) were emitted. In terms of
Wintershall’s production of crude oil, natural gas and condensate,
specifi c emissions amounted to 0.06 tonnes of CO2/toe (2011:
0.07 tonnes of CO2/toe).
The increase in greenhouse gas emissions is primarily a result of
the rise in production in Libya. The fl aring of associated gas was
necessary for safety reasons due to the temporary closure of the
production facilities in 2011 on account of the political unrest.
Emissions of other substances.
Some fossil fuels, such as natural gas, heating oil or diesel, which
emit various substances into the air during thermal conversion, are
used for power generation and production at our operating sites.
Emissions of inorganic substances rose to 3,441 tonnes in 2012.
This increase is primarily due to the restarting of the production
facilities in Libya following the political unrest in the North African
country. Daily production is almost back up to the maximum techni-
cally possible level.
Emissions trading at Wintershall.
In Europe, 13 plants within the Wintershall Group are subject to the
legal requirements of emissions trading within the second trading
period. As well as the plants in Germany, this affects two produc-
tion platforms in the Netherlands. In 2012, the German Emissions
Trading Authority (DEHSt) and the Dutch Emissions Authority (NEa)
allotted our plants 808,051 EU allowances (EUA/a). Our European
plants that are required to take part in the emissions trading system
emitted a total of 492,934 tonnes of CO2.
Wintershall is already making preparations for the third emissions
trading period which runs from 2013 to 2020. It is necessary to
reapply for the EU allowances for this period.
2012 Key Performance Indicators for emissions.
44 | 45 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION I EMISSIONS
Greenhouse gas emissions should be continually reduced in order
to prevent further climate change. Obligatory emissions reductions
were laid down in the Kyoto Protocol, which was signed by nearly
200 countries. Using that as a basis, the European Union has set
itself ambitious climate targets: by 2020, greenhouse gas emis-
sions and primary energy consumption should be reduced by 21%
compared to 2005 fi gures. This should be achieved through increased
use of renewable sources of energy and increased energy effi ciency
and at the lowest cost to the economy. Therefore, in 2005, the EU
introduced trading with emission allowances as a market-economy
climate change instrument. It is designed to promote climate-friendly
technologies and processes.
The European Emissions Trading System (ETS) restricts the amount
of permitted emissions by issuing emissions allowances, also known
as “pollution permits.” The certifi cates can be traded on the market
anywhere in Europe. As a result, companies are encouraged to
reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. If, however, taking appro-
priate measures is the more expensive option, a plant operator can
purchase allowances instead. They would purchase certifi cates from
another company that doesn’t need them itself. The other company
receives money from the sale to reduce its own emissions. Emis-
sions are therefore reduced where effi ciency is at its best.
Energy and industrial plants that have a rated thermal input ex-
ceeding 20 MW are included in the emissions trading scheme. In
2012, a good dozen plants in the Wintershall Group fell into this
category: two production platforms in the Dutch North Sea, the
compressor station in the German pipeline network, the natural gas
compressor at the Rehden storage facility and the steam fl ooding
facility at the crude oil plant in Emlichheim. Each plant is dealt with
separately and receives a set number of emissions allowances from
the State. In the past, they were allocated out by and large free of
charge. From 2013 onwards, however, when the third ETS trading
period begins, more and more emissions permits will have to in-
creasingly be purchased at auction on the spot market and futures
market. The revenue generated goes to the Member States and
climate funds. For plant operators, the model means higher costs,
together with a greater incentive to reduce emissions and hence
costs. In 2013, 80% of the certifi cates will still be allocated free of
charge but in 2020 only 30% will be. For 2027, it is envisaged that
all allowances will have to be purchased at auction. At the same
time, there will be fewer and fewer emissions allowances on the
market as the distribution of allowances is set to fall by 1.74% per
annum. It is expected that shortage of certifi cates will mean that
their price will increase. Wintershall has already taken numerous
measures to reduce emissions, for example the refurbishing or ret-
rofi tting of plants or the effi cient use of associated gas.
In the medium term, emissions trading will lead to a decrease in
greenhouse gas emissions through supply and demand. At the same
time, however, the system is making plant operations more expen-
sive and means that complex plant and monitoring procedures are
required. For example, companies must draw up a specifi c plan for
each plant affected describing the methods that it will employ to
monitor emissions. The responsible monitoring authority in Germany
is the German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt). Applications for
emissions allowances for each plant must be sent to it and actual
emissions must be reported to it every year.
Everything you need to know:
the A-Z of emissions trading.
Greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases are gaseous substances that accumulate in the
atmosphere and prevent the Earth’s heat from escaping. As a result,
they amplify the atmosphere’s natural greenhouse effect which con-
tributes to global warming in the long term. The main greenhouse
gas, produced by mankind, is carbon dioxide (CO2), which occurs
as a result of combustion processes.
Emissions allowances.
The world’s largest emissions trading system is the European Union’s
system, the ETS. The emissions allowances are issued as Europe-
an Union Allowances (EUAs). An allowance permits a company to
emit a tonne of CO2 or a tonne of CO2 equivalent, i.e. the amount
of another substance that has the same greenhouse gas potential
as a tonne of CO2. As well as national certifi cates, which are allocated
to each plant, there are also certifi cates generated from projects.
These are awarded for improvements through individual measures.
Electronic trading.
Emissions allowances are not hard-copy certifi cates. Trading takes
places on a virtual market, over stock exchanges, through brokers
or directly between the parties involved. There are various market-
places for emissions allowances, including the European Climate
Exchange (ECX) in London and the European Energy Exchange (EEX)
in Leipzig. Global trading can be done via the fi nancial markets
operator NYSE Euronext.
Third trading period (2013 – 2020).
The third trading period for the European Emissions Trading System
begins in 2013 and will run for eight years. It will have several new
features. In addition to the auctioning of certifi cates, these include
changes to the assessment bases for certain types of plants: the
number of allocated certifi cates no longer depends on a plant’s
emissions from the previous year but on the most effi cient plants in
its class that serve as a benchmark. An emissions threshold has
also been introduced for the manufacture of certain products. For
example, no more than 1,328 grams of CO2 can be emitted per kilo-
gram of steel. The benchmark for fossil fuels for driving gas turbines
is 56.1 EUAs/TJ and 62.3 EUAs/TJ for steam and heat generation.
Furthermore, emissions of nitrogen monoxide and perfl uorinated
hydrocarbons are now included in the trading. Air traffi c has also
been subject to the ETS since 2012.
Exemptions.
In order to prevent energy-intensive industries from relocating to
third countries (the carbon leakage effect), certain sectors will be
exempt from emissions trading in the third trading period, for example
the cement, paper, wood and glass industries. Wintershall will not
benefi t from these exemptions. Another special case is that of power
production. From 2013 onwards, producers will have to purchase
all certifi cates by auction.
46 | 47 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION I ACTIVITIES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WORLDWIDE:
OUR ACTIVITIES IN 2012.
Field test successfully begun.
Together with BASF, Wintershall is devel-
oping an environmentally friendly pro-
cess designed to increase the oil recov-
ery rate of reservoirs. At the center of the
research project is a biopolymer produced
by the fungus Schizophyllan. The gelatin-like
sub stance thickens the water injected into the reservoir to enhance
production. This is because thickened water can displace more oil.
The biopoly mer is also completely biodegradable. An initial fi eld test
began in the Bockstedt oil fi eld in Lower Saxony in 2012. The bio-
polymer is produced in a BASF plant in Ludwigshafen and trans-
ported in special tanks to the crude oil facilities in Barnstorf. A water/
polymer mixture is then fi nally introduced into the reservoir through
an injection well. The two-year long test should demonstrate the
properties of the natural thickening agent behaves in above-surface
facilities and underground.
Mittelplate.
Wintershall and RWE Dea have been producing crude oil at the
Mittelplate platform for 25 years without any accidents. Stringent
safety and environmental standards take the particular production
area (the ecologically sensitive Wadden Sea) into account. As a
result, the production platform is sealed by using a second barrier
off using steel piling thus ensuring that no oil or dirt can escape into
the North Sea. Attention is also paid to consistently protecting the
water and mud fl ats, even on the wells with the use of automatic
quick-close valves at the wells. Independent scientifi c studies have
always confi rmed ecological compatibility. As a result, we can ensure
that production will not affect organisms living in the mud fl ats and
that there will be no harmful consequences for fi sh or birds. It is
assumed that there are further oil reserves within the range of the
production platform which Wintershall and RWE Dea want to explore.
New deposits could be produced via the existing platform and so
there are no plans to install additional facilities in the Wadden Sea.
Germany.Straight from nature:
the Schizophyllum commune fungus
48 | 49 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION I ACTIVITIES
WINGAS.
Natural gas has an important role to play in the change of energy
policies in Germany (known as the “energy transition”) and in inter-
national climate change efforts as it is the cleanest burning fossil fuel.
It can be stored and used in various ways and is therefore the perfect
partner to wind and solar energy, the availability of which is subject
to heavy fl uctuations. In view of this, WINGAS is keen to tap into the
potential of natural gas, which predominantly lies in its effi ciency in the
heat market and the generation of electricity. Together with selected
public utility companies, WINGAS is testing innovative combined
micro heat and power generation plants, which produce power and
heat locally. The company has started a promotional program for
public utility companies in order to promote the spread of the plants.
Modern natural gas heating systems are extremely effi cient and can
represent an economical alternative to thermal insulation, even in
old buildings, especially given that many public and private budgets
cannot accommodate energy-related renovation work.
Contribution to the “energy transition”.
Environmental Day at WINGAS.
“Mission for the future” is the name of WINGAS’s commitment to
the environment and society. As part of a company-wide Environ-
mental Day with speeches and interactive activities, Gerhard König,
WINGAS’s Chairman, presented a 10-point program on the com-
pany’s activities around climate change and social commitment. On
account of its good CO2 values, natural gas is an environmentally
friendly source of energy and the ideal precursor to the age of renew-
able energy sources.
Natural gas-powered vehicles.
WINGAS is involved in the Initiative for Natural-Gas-Based Mobility
together with automotive manufacturers, other energy suppliers and
dena (the German Energy Agency). The initiative aims to raise the
share of natural gas and bio-methane on the fuel market and thus
decrease CO2 emissions from road traffi c. The company is also
pursuing this climate change target in house: since 2012 employees
have been able to use natural gas-powered cars for corporate travel.
Shale gas potential under the spotlight.
Crude oil and natural gas from shale reservoirs represent important
sources of energy all around the world. However, reliable data on
actual reserves is hard to acquire. Experts even believe that there
are some regions in Germany, for example North Rhine-Westphalia,
that may have natural shale gas deposits. In order to verify these
assumptions, geological tests need to be carried out on the clay
rock and shale. Only then will it be possible to determine with any
certainty whether it will be ecologically and economically viable to
exploit the suspected shale gas deposits. Wintershall’s activities in
the “Rhineland” and “Ruhr” concessions are limited to geological
exploratory investigations to assess the resource potential of pos-
sible shale gas reservoirs. Deep drilling and fracking work were not
and still are not planned in this phase.
Together with BASF, the company has been searching for solutions
since 2012 to make fracking fl uids even more environmentally friend-
ly. Experts are working closely with experienced manufacturing and
service companies. The proportion of chemical substances in the
fracking fl uid is currently only around 1% and many of the additives
are present in everyday products.
Argentina set to extract shale gas.
Argentina is keen to develop the use of unconventional gas deposits.
According to estimates, the country has the world’s third largest
shale gas deposits but the company will rely on experienced part-
ners to carry out the exploitation work since shale gas production
has special technical requirements and safety and environment con-
cepts. Wintershall is one of the investors that would like to explore
and produce shale gas in Argentina. In 2012 the company obtained
two exploration licenses for Mendoza Province. The purpose of the
exploration work is to gain a better understanding of the character-
istics of the extremely impervious reservoir rock and look into poten-
tial ways of extracting the shale gas economically and safely. The fi nd-
ings could then be used at a later date for projects in other countries.
Wintershall is also working on developing other conventional and
unconventional reservoirs in Argentina. Together with TOTAL, the
company is producing tight gas in the Vaca Muerta formation in the
Neuquén Basin. Work is also being carried out in the same fi eld to
look for shale gas. Wintershall is also involved in this work in the
Bandurria und San Roque blocks.
Unconventional hydrocarbon deposits.
50 | 51 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES
Disposing of the fracking fl uid.
Most of the fracking fl uid is pumped back up the surface once the hydraulic
fracturing has been completed, where it is collected and treated in accord-
ance with the regulations. After the fl uid has been separated into gaseous,
liquid and solid materials, certifi ed specialist companies take care of the recy-
cling and disposal.
Composition of the fracking fl uid.
The mixture of fl uids used in hydraulic fracturig consists almost entirely of
water and sand or ceramic to keep the channels open for the gas to fl ow
through. The additives account for a maximum of two percent: these are
chemical additives such as salt, preservatives, friction-reducing substances
or gelling agents – substances that are also used in many every-day products.
Deposits in the world.
Around the world there is considerably more unconventional than conventional natural
gas. As well as shale gas, this includes coal bed gas and gas hydrates. However, only
3.3 trillion cubic meters are commercially and technically recoverable.
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING.
Safely increasing potential.
Conventional and unconventional natural gas deposits from very
tight reservoirs could secure our energy supply for many decades.
Exploiting them, however, requires increasingly huge technical out-
lay – and tight gas and shale gas cannot be produced without
hydraulic fracturing.
Media discussions on production from reservoirs that are diffi cult to
access often mention “fracking” – short for “hydraulic fracturing.”
This technique is basically nothing new – over one million wells
worldwide have been completed using this method in the last sixty
years. The fracking method is not just used to produce oil and gas,
but also for water wells and in geothermics. For 40 years now the
technique has also been used in other countries with very high en-
vironmental standards, such as Norway.
Wintershall has been using fracking technology in Germany for
many years, for example in the production of tight gas, without any
negative environmental impacts. Wintershall voluntarily undertakes
not to drill or frack in drinking water protection areas.
How does the technique work exactly?
A mixture of water and sand is compressed into the well and creates tiny
cracks at precisely defi ned points in the rock through which the gas can fl ow
to the borehole. The sand prevents the fl ow paths from closing up. The fl uid
contains a very small proportion of chemical substances which stabilize the
cracks and counteract any bacterial. A infestation complex safety system
prevents any liquid from escaping. Contamination of drinking water is impos-
sible since tight gas or shale layers are considerably below drinking water
layers. The multi-layered steel casing of the borehole is fi lled with special
cement and is around 35 cm thick in the area of the usable groundwater. The
drilling site above ground is also sealed so that no fl uid from the surface can
penetrate the ground.
ance
liquid
cling a
Technology.
The shale formations are usually less than 200 meters
thick. The reservoirs are therefore developed using hori-
zontal wells. As with all wells, a perforating machine in
the gas-bearing layers generates small holes in the steel
pipes, through which the fracking fl uid is injected and then
the gas extracted. Compared to tight gas, however, more
fracs and a greater volume of fracking fl uids are necessary
to tap into the deposit.
Technology.
The tight gas is located in the pores of
the tight sandstone. In contrast to nor-
mal conventional reservoirs, the rock has
smaller cavities that are barely connect-
ed to each other – so the gas cannot
fl ow freely to the well. Hydraulic fractur-
ing opens small (about 5 mm) channels
for the gas to fl ow through, thereby mak-
ing production possible at all.
e
r
General.
Tight gas has been pro-
duced in Germany for dec-
ades: Wintershall for exam-
ple, has been producing the
raw material from this kind
of formation for more than
30 years in Lower Saxony.
To do so it also uses hydraulic
fracturing – without any neg-
ative impact on the environ-
ment or drinking water.
General.
Theoretically, Germany could
cover its gas consumption re-
quirements for 13 years with
shale gas deposits. However, at
the moment the reservoirs are
merely being investigated geo-
logically. In the USA, on the other
hand, shale gas has already led to
an energy revolution in the last ten
years.
e Tight gas production.
Rock.
The tight gas deposits in Lower
Saxony lie between 4,000 and
5,000 meters under the ground.
They are accessed with vertical
wells because the gas-bearing rock
layers are relatively strong (thicker
than 500 meters).
Rock.
The shale gas is trapped in the place
where it was formed, in the bedrock. It
is mostly made of claystone (shale) con-
taining many organic particles – the gas
was once formed from them. It sits in tiny
pores and crevices and also on the sur-
face of the rock.
r Shale gas
production.
52 | 53 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 HEALTH PROTECTION
HEALTH PROTECTION.PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION.
The aim of occupational health protection activities
at Wintershall is to prevent work-related illnesses or
impairment to employees’ health, as well as maintain
a high level of overall health within the workforce.
Wintershall’s focus is on preventative health measures,
health promotion and ensuring effective medical care
in the event of emergencies.
FIT +HEALTHY.
54 | 55 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 HEALTH PROTECTION
As in previous years, once again no employees at Wintershall suf-
fered an occupational illness in 2012. Together with HSE experts,
company physicians at the individual locations and Business Units
analyze working areas in order to minimize the risks to employees’
health in their activities. These are complemented by workplace
walkabouts conducted by managers and HSE experts according to
the requirements of the HSE Management System. In 2012, 1,184
occupational health checks relating to prevention or early screening
for work-related illnesses and to prepare staff for work-related stays
abroad were conducted worldwide.
A trained fi rst aider can save lives. To ensure that fi rst aid can be
administered in the case of a medical emergency, there are 545 fi rst
aiders and paramedics at the Wintershall Group’s locations who
hold a nationally recognized certifi cate in fi rst aid. Wintershall actively
supports its employees who wish to take part in fi rst-aid training
sessions. Donating blood can also save lives. Blood donation oppor-
tunities are organized regularly at the headquarters in Kassel.
Health care in remote regions.
The issue of health protection in exploration and production in
remote regions and under extreme climatic conditions requires
special attention. There often is a lack of medical care or the local
medical infrastructure does not meet international standards. In such
cases, special preventive measures are designed very carefully to
avoid potential health risks to employees and contractors as far as
possible. These measures are complemented by preventative and
follow-up medical check-ups.
As an international company, Wintershall also endeavors to fully pre-
pare its employees for journeys and assignments abroad and to avoid
unnecessary risks. Travel advice, vaccination recommendations and
information on countries where Wintershall operates are regularly
compiled and updated. A special HSE checklist was developed to
prepare employees for trips abroad. The package is rounded off
with risk assessments, special procedural instructions and emer-
gency cards for each location.
0
occupational illnesses
1,184
occupational
health checks
545trained fi rst aiders
and paramedics available
for call-out
2012 Key Performance Indicators for occupational health.
As part of its health campaigns, Wintershall offers its employees the
opportunity to learn about different health relevant topics and take
action themselves. Focus is on health promotion and the prevention
of illnesses.
In 2012, the topic under the spotlight was hearing protection. The
campaign didn’t just deal with exposure to noise at the workplace
as there are stringent occupational health and safety regulations in
force for that. Instead, greater attention was paid to the often under-
estimated danger of exposure to noise outside of work. Loud music,
noise in stadiums or New Year’s Eve work can seriously damage
hearing. During information events, employees learned how noise
affects the ear and how ear protectors and following some simple
do’s and don’ts can help to prevent complications such as hearing
loss. Using checklists, employees were also able to assess their
own risk and take part in hearing tests.
Young people are often particularly affected by hearing damage, which
is why part of the health campaign was specifi cally tailored towards
the company’s trainees for the fi rst time. In addition, a workshop spe-
cifi cally aimed at the interests and habits of younger workers was
devised and run by HSE department trainees. Amongst other things,
a smartphone app for measuring ambient noise was presented.
Hearing protection campaign.
56 | 57 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
At Wintershall we see cultural differences as something enriching.
We have seen that our shared values outweigh our differences.
This is why Wintershall’s international operations not only produce
crude oil and natural gas, but also closer contacts between people.
Sponsoring cultural and social projects is not a luxury for Wintershall,
but an expression of its social commitment and active steps to
enhance quality of life.
As a subsidiary of BASF, the Wintershall Group is committed to its
responsibility to observe and promote human rights. We respect the
internationally proclaimed human rights and effective law in our busi-
ness activities.
As a company in the BASF Group, a founding member of the UN
Global Compact, we strive to help raise awareness and protect human
rights in our sphere of infl uence. For this reason we also support our
suppliers and business partners in acting according to internationally
recognized standards.
We aim to be an attractive employer, reliable partner and good neigh-
bor. That is why we take on corporate social responsibility and actively
support diverse projects around the world in the host communities
where our sites are located, focusing on culture, education, science
and health. With our social commitment we want to help to contribute
to making positive developments in society and thus help to promote
human rights.
Human rights.
58 | 59 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Our employees are our capital and our most important resource.
Each and every employee contributes to the success and develop-
ment of the company. Our principles include creating the best pos-
sible working conditions for our staff as well as opportunities for
personal development.
The Wintershall Group offers extensive training and further training
programs alongside “on-the-job training” for qualifi ed university
graduates and a Work & Life Service to help employees balance
their professional and family lives. We play a pioneering role in this
fi eld. The Work & Life Service is a place employees can go to for
support in reconciling the needs of the job and their personal lives.
Flexible working hours, company sports and health measures,
household-related services, parental leave, ensuring an easy return
to work, as well as child care and school support are the main ways
we support our staff.
Our KIWI children’s daycare facility, which was set up in Kassel in
2001, and our WIKI children’s daycare facility, which was set up in
2012, are an important part of our Work & Life Service because
Wintershall has grown continuously over the years and so too has
the demand for childcare facilities. This daycare facility offers our
German and international staff a place where their children, aged
between 6 months and 12 years, will be looked after by professional
and dedicated staff. There are over 140 places available. Thanks to
fl exible daycare offers, shared places, homework supervision and a
play area suitable for all age groups, over the years KIWI has become
like a second home.
Wintershall does everything it can to ensure the best possible work-
ing atmosphere at all of its various locations. By supporting our staff
with various needs, Wintershall offers all staff a service-oriented
working environment. For this reason, since 2003 it has been award-
ed the certifi cate “audit berufundfamilie” from the non-profi t HERTIE
foundation. It goes without saying that Wintershall also looks after
its staff in its international locations, and respects cultural diversity.
Employees and their families.
Large-scale construction projects not only need to be approved by
the authorities, they also need to be accepted by the general public.
This also applies to investments in energy infrastructure. The public
expects to receive extensive information as there is now height-
ened sensitivity regarding projects that interfere with nature, the
landscape or settlement areas. Most people want to see an envi-
ronmentally friendly energy supply. However, the construction work
needed for that is often rejected. Investors who fail to involve citi-
zens can expect to be met with resistance. Only when people are
convinced of a project’s value on site and feel that their fears and
concerns are being taken seriously can dialogue really work. There-
fore, Wintershall always attempts to engage in dialogue with land
owners, residents and other stakeholders early on in planned large-
scale construction projects, such as the construction of natural gas
pipelines or drilling projects. The aim is to resolve any ambiguities.
Confl icts, for example with agricultural land users, should be avoid-
ed or solved as amicably as possible. Our model for how to com-
municate with our neighbors has proven itself to be successful, for
example in the laying of the Baltic Sea Pipeline Link (OPAL). Infor-
mation events in the affected areas, newsletters and a telephone
hotline for citizens to ring ensured a high degree of transparency.
The cooperation between the company, environmental organiza-
tions and scientists also helped to create a sense of trust amongst
the population.
But it’s not just construction projects that citizens want to be kept
informed about – it’s also unfamiliar technology. Therefore, Winters-
hall provides regular tours around its drilling site at the Düste explo-
ration well. The reservoir in Lower Saxony contains tight gas which
needs to be produced using fracking techniques. Fracking has been
used for many years to produce tight gas but is currently being
criticized in connection with the extraction of shale gas. The drilling
site tours are designed to provide factual information and help to
allay people’s fears.
Transparency and dialogue.
60 | 61 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
During the political unrest in Libya, many people there were severely
injured. In 2012, Wintershall offered support for the treatment of vic-
tims in Germany, including two children.
As part of emergency aid for Libya, Wintershall facilitated much-
needed medical care for seriously injured victims in Germany. The
company enabled patients to be treated who could not have been
adequately treated in their homeland. They were fl own to Germany
for surgery and rehabilitation. The charitable organization of medical
practitioners, Interplast e.V. (Eschweiler section), was chosen as a
partner for selecting, transporting and treating the seriously injured
casualties who were treated at the St. Antonius Hospital in Esch-
weiler. The doctors in Eschweiler have many years of experience in
treating casualties of war and have worked with Interplast on many
occasions. Two children who were seriously wounded when a mine
exploded were treated in Germany.
Mine clearance.
In order to prevent as many mine-related accidents in the future as
possible, Wintershall is supporting the Saint Barbara Foundation in
the clearance of mines in Libya. The organization, which is based in
Munster in Lower Saxony, has set itself the task of ridding former
war-torn regions of mines and providing humanitarian aid for people
on site. Wintershall is providing the vehicle required for transporting
the defused munitions. In 2012, all mines were removed from Mitiga
airport in Tripoli by work fi nanced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Saint Barbara Foundation wants to continue the good work
being done in Libya. The amount of work is daunting: it is estimated
that there are more than 100,000 anti-personnel mines left over
from the civil war in 2011. There are also another 2.5 million anti-
tank mines from World War II.
Aid program for Libya continues.
In 2012, with the help of Wintershall employees, in the Libyan town
of Yefren around 130 km south-west of Tripoli, a new day-care nurs-
ery was opened. The initiators were shocked by the huge demand
for it: instead of the announced 120 places for girls and boys be-
tween the ages of three and seven, the number of applications
reached 220. Colleagues from Wintershall Libya worked hard to
contribute to turning this project into a reality. The Yefren town ad-
ministration provided a building and the Salsabil Foundation reno-
vated the house for the children and outside areas and furnished it.
Nursery opened.
Wintershall continues to live up to its responsibility in Libya and assist
the country in its reconstruction. A hospital is to be opened in the
Libyan Desert in the Jakhira oasis, which has around 5,000 inhabit-
ants, by the end of 2013. Wintershall will provide the staff and
equipment for the hospital and run it for up to fi ve years with the
support of an experienced healthcare provider. After that, the goal is
for the clinic is to be self-supporting. Its focus will be on emergency
treatment for people in Jakhira.
Setup medical infrastructure.
62 | 63 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 OUTLOOK
As part of the asset swap with the energy company Statoil, Winters-
hall aims to assume operation of the Brage platform. That would be
the fi rst time the company is the operator of a large production
platform on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Approval by the local
authorities is required fi rst.
Equity investments, the platform and about 150 employees who have
been with Statoil up to now are to be integrated in the company.
The project management team set up for this task also includes
numerous HSE experts. They will review the existing Brage health,
safety and environmental systems and incorporate this in the Win-
tershall Norge Management System. Changes are to be made only
where a genuine improvement can be achieved – after all, oil and
gas have been produced safely on the Brage platform for the past
20 years. Wintershall intends to leverage the technical and organi-
zational experience of the existing operator in order to rule out any
future risks to the shelf sea and the continental shelf.
Offshore production in Norway is subject to strict safety and envi-
ronmental protection laws. Wintershall aims be able to operate the
Brage platform by the end of 2013 at the latest. When applying for
a production permit (application for concent), the company has to
prove they are a prudent operator to the authority, by among other
demonstrate they have the necessary capacity and competence,
suffi cient management systems, HSE system and expertise.
Integration of new assets in Norway.
OUTLOOK.WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS.
Increasing safety with integrated intervention systems.
Wintershall intends to bolster its commitment to preventing oil spills
and creating better concepts for tackling them. As well as support-
ing the development and stationing of a capping device for bore-
holes in the North Sea, Wintershall is considering involvement in
projects in other regions. As a result, the company is working very
closely with specialist companies in order to pool skills and techni-
cal know-how. The main focus is on access to integrated interven-
tion systems and modern protection devices such as capping de-
vices for damaged boreholes. All around the world, around a dozen
capping devices, funded by individual companies or consortia, are
being planned or have already been stationed.
Wintershall Libya sets its sights on ISO 14001 certifi cation.
Following Wintershall Noordzee’s example in the Netherlands, Win-
tershall Libya would also like to implement a special environmental
management system in accordance with the internationally recog-
nized standard ISO 14001 and have it certifi ed. Certifi cations are car-
ried out and regularly reviewed by independent auditors. Require-
ments for certifi cation include a defi ned operational environmental
policy, environmental targets and an environmental program as well
as a corresponding management system to help with achieving the
targets. Wintershall would be the fi rst E&P company in the country
to obtain ISO 14001 certifi cation. Its standards and initiatives mean
that the company is a pioneer in terms of environmentally friendly
approaches to the production of energy in Libya.
Maintenance of all facilities in Libya.
In order to guarantee the integrity of its production plants all around
the world, Wintershall regularly checks their condition. In 2013, it
plans to inspect all of its facilities in the Libyan Desert. During the
inspections, the entire plant will be shut down. Over a maximum
fi ve-week period, all plant parts will be gradually disconnected,
maintained and, if necessary, repaired or furbished. Detailed sched-
uling and optimum cooperation between all those involved will be
essential in order to minimize risks and production losses. All work-
ers including contractors will be included in the process which comes
with its particular HSE challenges. Preparations have commenced
around a year prior to the scheduled date.
International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP) meets in Germany.
Representatives of the International Association of Oil & Gas Pro-
ducers (OGP) will meet in Germany in November. Wintershall is or-
ganizing the annual event for members in Berlin following a meeting
of health and safety experts from member companies held in 2012
in Celle, the home of German crude oil and natural gas production.
Representatives from international companies met there to ex-
change views and ideas. In Berlin, the main focus will be on safety
and standards.
64 | 65 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 2012
AT A GLANCE: KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 2012.
Unit 2012 2011
WINTERSHALL PERFORMANCE
Sales to third parties mio. € 16,700 12,051
· Exploration & Production mio. € 5,330 3,182
· Natural Gas Trading mio. € 11,370 8,869
Profi t from operating companies (EBIT) mio. € 3,904 2,111
· Exploration & Production mio. € 3,422 1,686
· Natural Gas Trading mio. € 482 425
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
Number of employees* 2,514 2,281
Own employees
· Fatalities (FAT) 0 0
· Injury with > 1 day lost time (LTI) 1 0
· Lost time injury frequency rate per one million man hours (LTIF) 0.20 0
Contractors
· Fatalities (FAT) 0 0
· Injury with > 1 day lost time (LTI) 10 5
· Lost time injury frequency rate per one million man hours (LTIF) 1.48 0.75
LTIF total (own employees and contractos) 0.93 0.46
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Occupational diseases own employees 0 0
First aiders Wintershall/WINGAS 545 582
Occupational medical check ups 1,184 707
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Energy
· Energy consumption MWhel 759,390 878,831
· Steam use t 469,486 384,082
· Fuel use for own energy production mio. MWh 2.05 1.4
Greenhouse gas emissions
· CO2 mio. t 1.35 1.34
· CH4 t 3,164 4,057
Emission inorganic substances t 3,441 2,808
Emission trading Europe
· Received emission allowances EUA/a 808,051 791,067
· Emissions from facilities regulated under emission trading scheme t 492,934 458,035
Waste t 160,837 80,436
Water use (total) mio m3 15.5 10.7
· Production water mio m3 13.2 9.5
* Excluding temporary employees; part-time employees pro rata
66 | 67 HSE ANNUAL REPORT 2012 CONTACT PERSONS
CONTACT PERSONS.
Guido Schnieders
Corporate HSE Manager
Malalay Osmani
HSE Engineer
Marco Lukassen
HSE Engineer
Georgina Wien
HSE Manager
New Ventures
Nadja Brauhardt
HSE Communication
& Sustainability
Klaus Jantos
Senior Environmental
Advisor
Locations worldwide.
Abu Dhabi (WIME)
Louis Susanna
HSE Manager
Argentina (WIAR)
Jonathan Gandolfo
HSE Manager
Germany (WIDE)
Dr. Michael Bätcher
HSE Manager
Libya (WILI)
Mustafa Abunagasa
HSE Manager
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Onno Spinder
HSE & Permitting Manager
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Janne Lea
HSE Manager
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Evgenia Shvychkova
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Axel Barenschee
HSE Manager
+49 561 301–1757
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