by Kristen Ku
BELIZE CITY, Thurs. June 1, 2023
An unexpected sight off the coast of Belize, an offshore oil rig in local waters, reportedly just 15 minutes away from Hol Chan Marine Reserve, stirred concerns on Thursday, June 1. The rig’s presence created a wave of unease among environmental activists. But OCEANA Belize very promptly responded to the surprising development.
Janelle Chanona, Vice President of OCEANA, confirmed in a conversation with Amandala that the oil rig, stationed in Mexico, was merely transiting through Belizean waters due to a legal obligation.
“The offshore oil rig is transiting and should be out of our waters before dark. It is stationed in Mexico but due to some legal issues, they have to depart and then re-enter. So, it comes to Belize today to meet that requirement,” Chanona said. The rig would also replenish its food supplies before it continued its journey later that day.
The sudden appearance of the oil rig has led to criticisms over a lack of prior notification. Chanona also commented on that issue, “It was unfortunate that no advance notice was shared with the maritime community on this matter to address the concerns that were inevitably created by such a sight in local waters.” She added that the incident underscored the importance of the meaningful involvement of Belizeans in decision-making processes, particularly those related to the offshore oil moratorium. OCEANA is staunchly advocating for such participatory mechanisms to be legislated.
In response to the growing apprehensions, the Belize Port Authority issued a notice regarding the unexpected visitor. The notice stated: “Belize Port Authority wishes to advise Belizeans that the Semi-submersible drilling unit MV ‘Frida 1’ is calling at the Belize City port today, June 1st, 2023, for the purpose of replenishing stores and will be conducting inbound and outboard clearances while at anchor outside of English Caye.”
The Port Authority further clarified that due to its draft restrictions, the ship would not enter the Belize City Harbour. It also confirmed that the Frida 1, though present in port for roughly another six hours before departing, would not conduct any operations while in Belizean waters. The notice concluded by reassuring Belizeans that “all border authorities are aware and have granted authorization. This is normal maritime practice, and Belize is bound to respond to the maritime community.”