HSE Annual Report 2010 (English) - WINTERSHALL

Health, 

Safety and 

Environment 

ANNUAL REPORT 

2010 

Shaping the future.

04 Foreword. 

06 Activities And regions. 

08 hse – our philosophy. 

14 hse – our Actions. 

34 hse perFormAnce 2010. 

52 outlook. 

55 contActs.

04/05 

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Energy is our business. 

And energy is our future. 

We want to make our future a sustainable one. For 

us, sustainability is achieved through reconciling 

long-term commercial success with protection of 

the environment, safety, health for all and our social 

responsibility. 

We embrace these challenges. After all, lasting economic 

success is not possible if we do not protect 

health, safety and the environment (HSE). The aim of 

our HSE management system is to systematically 

reduce risks to both people and nature. That’s why 

we at Wintershall believe that nothing is so important 

that it would justify ignoring the principles of 

work safety and environmental protection. This is 

a substantial basis for our corporate philosophy. 

As a responsible company, Wintershall defines its 

own ambitious standards toward safety performance 

and environmental protection – usually 

beyond what is required by law. These are valid for 

our executives, employees and contractors alike. 

Wintershall lives up to its responsibility. 

2010 was a special year for our company. Apart 

from the start of work on building the Baltic Sea 

pipeline Nord Stream, the foundation was laid for 

one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects: 

Construction of the 470-kilometer natural gas pipeline 

OPAL in Eastern Germany. Up to 2,500 workers 

were and are going to be busy working here until the 

pipeline’s planned commissioning date in October 

2011. Major projects of such economic significance 

are all too rare. They pose great challenges for 

everyone involved. 

Our economic performance in 2010 was impressive. 

Despite a tough climate, Wintershall nearly 

maintained oil and gas production at the high level 

of the previous year: 133 (2009: 136) million barrels 

of oil equivalent (BOE). The company was able to 

increase its earnings before income and taxes (EBIT) 

by 45 million euros year-on-year to 2,234 million in 

2010. From this, 1,918 million euros were generated 

from exploration and production and 416 million 

from gas trading. 

Our ambitious health and safety target is zero 

accidents in all our activities. We achieved that 

mission for our own employees and were once 

more able to improve on the previous year in 2010. 

However, to our great dismay, our contractors suffered 

three fatal accidents and six accidents with 

lost time injuries, which led us to extensively review 

the requirements toward our contractors. On this 

basis, we have developed an extensive catalogue 

of measures to avoid such accidents in the future. 

The implementation of these is a joint effort between 

ourselves and our contractors. I call on all employees 

to play an active part in this process. 

In the area of exploration and production, 2010 

was impacted by the events related to the Deepwater 

Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Even 

though we ourselves do not carry out any deepwater 

drilling, we have taken the incident and its investigation 

reports as an opportunity to identify learning 

points and room for improvement in our offshore 

activities.

In the oil and gas industry, technological excellence, 

innovativeness and technical expertise are at least 

as good at opening doors to cooperation deals and 

participating interests as billions in capital. As in the 

past, Germany must be the first home to innovative 

technologies in the future. The potential production 

of shale gas in Germany is currently a topic of 

debate. In this regard, we may be on the verge of 

a new technological leap. And we must not miss 

the boat. However, we don’t even know how large 

these unconventional deposits are in Germany and 

whether they can be developed cost-effectively. 

Consequently, our strategy is: Yes to exploration, 

yes to research. However, what is technically feasible 

can only be put into practice if it makes both economic 

and environmental sense. Our policy is not 

one of development at all costs. 

We intend to invest more strongly in a sustainable 

future. That includes genuine innovations, such as 

the Schizophyllan biopolymer. The idea came from 

nature itself. These biopolymers are biodegradable 

and are eco-efficient if applied in oil production. 

Wintershall and BASF are jointly researching these 

in order to develop a new environmentally friendly 

technology which significantly increases oil recovery 

rates for the reservoir it is applied to. 

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our 

production sites, in 2007 we committed ourselves 

to discontinuing the flaring of associated gas. 

We are determined to achieve this goal by 2012. 

This report was created to give our employees, 

partners, public authorities and the interested 

public a summary of our health, safety and environment 

activities in 2010. To ensure this, we have supplemented 

the key figures that are customary in the 

international arena, and that have been audited 

by KPMG, with many outstanding examples of our 

HSE activities. 

Our success is primarily due to competent, innovative, 

extremely motivated and above all healthy 

employees. We are well prepared and together will 

overcome the challenges ahead of us, especially in 

the field of health, safety and the environment – to 

achieve a sustainable and safe future. After all, our 

ambitious goal for the future remains: zero accidents 

and an end to the flaring of associated gas by 2012. 

Wintershall – Generating safety. 

Dr. Rainer Seele 

Chairman of the Board 

FOREWORD

06/07 

CORE REGIONS AND ACTIvITIES 

OF WINTERSHALL.

Wintershall, based in Kassel, Germany, has been actively involved in the exploration and production of 

crude oil and natural gas for more than 75 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 

producer of crude oil and natural gas, and with its subsidiaries, WINGAS and WINGAS TRANSPORT, 

is also an important gas supplier to the German and European market.

08/09 

HSE – OUR 

PHILOSOPHY. 

The objective of Wintershall’s HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) management system is to reduce 

the risks to people and the environment. The guiding principle is: Economic concerns do not have 

priority over health, safety and the environment. Nothing is so important that Wintershall would allow 

the principles of safety at work and environmental protection to be ignored. Values, standards and 

guidelines also serve to protect our most important resource: our people. We offer all employees 

opportunities for establishing the best possible working conditions and for personal development, 

enabling them to realize their potential.

10/11 

SYSTEMATIC HSE – 

SUCCESSFUL AND SAFE. 

Wintershall has laid down its position on HSE 

(Health, Safety and Environment) in a policy. This 

policy governs how the company operates within 

the global oil and gas industry. The key objectives 

of the company’s HSE policy are: 

• Integration and continuous improvement of HSE 

in all activities. 

• “Everyone counts” – rigorous implementation of 

the HSE guidelines by all employees. 

• Living up to our social responsibility. 

• Responsibility for global climate protection. 

• Compliance with international conventions, local 

laws and our own standards. 

In order to achieve these objectives HSE has to be 

effectively integrated in all activities. This is ensured by 

the WINS health, safety and environment management 

system. It consists of 12 elements, subdivided 

into planning, rollout, reporting and system improvement. 

The management system is designed so that 

HSE is integrated appropriately and the business 

objectives can be achieved. 

HSE Award Winners 2010 

Well-planned 

Implemented 

Notified 

System improved

THE HSE AWARD – A PRIzE FOR 

INNOvATIvE EMPLOYEE IDEAS. 

Innovative solutions for improvement of health, 

safety and environment are rewarded at Wintershall. 

The company has been conferring an HSE Award 

since 2007, a prize for outstanding projects in the 

field of protecting health, safety and the ecology. 

An award category for “Simple Solutions” – a small 

and smart solution that has a perceptible impact 

on everyday work through minor changes – was 

added in 2010. 

The HSE Award rewards proactive and creative 

measures that have been successfully implemented 

at the company during the contest period and 

have resulted in a clear improvement in the field of 

HSE. An additional criteria for the reward is whether 

the solution can be applied at other locations. 

The aim of the contest is to improve our high HSE 

performance continuously. Each entry is an enrichment 

for the whole company’s HSE performance, 

since all the solutions are communicated within the 

company worldwide. Therefore they can be taken 

up by other teams and developed further. 

In line with the HSE mission statement “Everyone 

counts,” all employees are urged to join in and submit 

innovative ideas from their team. The award is 

intended as an additional incentive – above and 

beyond the company suggestion system – for 

employees to become involved in HSE and is 

accompanied by a tax-free cash prize. 

The winners are chosen by an evaluation committee 

consisting of ten permanent jurors and representatives 

of the winning teams from the previous contest. 

The jury examines all entries and assesses them on 

the basis of set criteria – the most important being 

the project’s benefit for health, safety and the 

environment. Others include the HSE solution’s 

pro-activity, personal initiative and team spirit. 

HSE-AWARD 2010. 

22 entries were submitted in the 2010 competition, 

eight in the category “Simple Solutions“. The award 

in the HSE project category was conferred to a 

team from Libya that had worked on a way to improve 

protection of anchor pipes at wells against 

external corrosion in the Libyan Desert for three 

years. The solution includes an innovative coating 

and intensification of pipeline checks. The winner in 

the “Simple Solutions” category is based in Wintershall 

Netherlands. He developed a door stopper for containers, 

a hook-shaped device that prevents the 

container doors from suddenly being blown shut 

by the wind and so increases work safety. 

HEALTH SAFETY ENVIRONMENT

12/13 

ECONOMIC AND HSE 

OBjECTIvES HAvE EqUAL PRIORITY. 

Corporate HSE Manager Guido Schnieders on the importance of HSE in 

Wintershall’s activities. 

Why does Wintershall publish a review of its 

HSE work? 

We want to demonstrate transparency toward our 

employees, partners, public authorities and the 

interested public. We regard it as our social responsibility 

to provide regular information on our activities 

in the field of health, safety and the environment. 

This is not limited to the internationally accepted key 

performance indicators; it also includes selected 

positive examples from our work. By this we hope 

to inspire others and set an example for successful 

HSE management. 

Interview with Corporate HSE Manager Guido Schnieders 

How significant is HSE for Wintershall? 

The clear philosophy of our company’s management 

is that our high standards in health, safely and 

environment at Wintershall have equal priority 

alongside economic objectives. Nothing is so urgent 

or important that we would allow HSE principles to 

be ignored. That also protects our employees – our 

most important resource. 

Implementation of and compliance with HSE standards 

entails costs. Doesn’t that diminish commercial 

success? 

The very opposite – high HSE standards are the 

key to lasting commercial success. For instance, 

avoiding occupational accidents pays off two-fold: 

Production remains stable because no time is lost 

due to injuries. At the same time, healthy employees 

are also motivated, perform well and can channel all 

their energy into making the company successful. 

What are the employees and contractors contributions 

to this? 

All of us have a vital part to play when it comes to 

complying with the HSE policy. We expect responsibility, 

pro-activity and personal commitment from 

everyone and don’t make a distinction between our 

own employees and those of contractors. We have 

an ambitious goal: zero accidents in all our activities. 

Even though we haven’t been able to achieve 

this target in one year, we are still doing all we can 

to avoid accidents and operate our facilities safely.

In the past years contractor incidents were reoccurring 

events. What do you think is the reason? 

We believe the sharp increase in demand for skilled 

workers is having a negative impact on the qualification 

and experience of staff and thereby on safety. 

That’s why we have to work with our partners to 

achieve a high standard of training once more in the 

oil and gas industry. In addition, we will rigorously 

enforce our contractor management processes, 

i.e. assess the HSE performance of external companies 

before awarding contracts to them and 

conduct information and training events. 

The “E” in HSE stands for environment. What are 

the challenges here? 

Wintershall increasingly explores for new reserves 

in areas that are ecologically or culturally sensitive. 

That’s why we analyze the effects on people and 

the environment precisely beforehand and define 

measures to minimize the impact. That also includes 

preserving the cultural heritage. Protecting the 

environment also means efficient use of natural 

resources. That’s why we constantly strive to 

improve the energy efficiency of our facilities. 

Wintershall minimizes health risks at work. It also 

offers events providing information on health and 

cancer prevention. Isn’t that the employees’ own 

business? 

No. We want to keep our staff’s health at a high level. 

Prevention and information play a vital part in that. 

In the case of cancer of the intestine, for example, 

experts attribute the large number of people with 

this disease to a lack of knowledge about prevention 

and early screening. And the same with exercises: 

We want to motivate our employees to walk 

8,000 to 10,000 steps a day to avoid being overweight 

and the related illnesses.

14/15 

HSE 

–

OUR ACTIONS. 

Just about everything we do or plan influences people and the environment in some 

way or other. That’s why we have fully integrated HSE in our activities.

16/17 

HEALTH 

AND SAFETY. 

Responsibility and safety are fundamental values that form the 

basis for our corporate philosophy. Employees’ safety is Wintershall’s 

highest priority – whether they are our own or from contractors. 

Responsibility, pro-activity and personal comittment from everyone 

is vital to ensure a high standard of 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 also applies to our contractors, who have to 

meet strict requirements and are also actively supported in their 

HSE work. 

Wintershall is a company where people come first. That is because 

healthy and motivated employees can contribute to the 

company‘s success with their capabilities and creativity.

PROjECT MANAGEMENT – 

A GLIMPSE INTO 

THE FUTURE. 

Wintershall has many years of experience in developing 

reservoirs that are difficult to access and are 

geologically challenging. Every new exploration 

project therefore places high demands on planning. 

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 environmental and safety aspects is an 

integral part of planning. This includes environmental 

impact studies and plant safety analyses, as well 

as selection of contractors on the basis of HSE 

considerations. It is also necessary to assess risks 

in remote regions, such as car accidents on unpaved 

roads, endemic diseases, unsafe food and drinking 

water, logistics problems, the climate, crime, violent 

attacks or political unrest. During advance expeditions 

to the exploration area, risks are identified and 

suitable and concrete measures to minimize them 

are determined and summarized in an HSE project 

plan. As part of this, specialists evaluate the standard 

of medical care, test communication by satellite 

phone, identify landing strips for aircraft or examine 

the quality of the water in available wells. Safety 

engineers regularly supervise and control activities 

during the execution phase. Emergency concepts 

formulated at the outset are constantly reviewed 

and adapted to the current situation if necessary. 

Compliance with the relevant regulations and HSE 

standards is ensured in the operating phase. All 

projects at Wintershall are planned and carried out 

according to the same HSE procedures. 


18/19 

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 established 

a reporting system that includes all locations 

worldwide and that does not make a distinction 

between its own employees and those of contractors. 

Detailed analysis of incidents helps identify 

and assess their causes. Incidents where there is 

merely a risk potential are also investigated. The 

results are used to derive measures to protect 

against such incidents occurring in future and are 

communicated every month. 

INSIGHTS. 

SAM – SYSTEM FOR RECORDING SAFETY- 

RELATED SITUATIONS. 

An important aid in safety work has been developed 

for Wintershall Deutschland in the shape of the 

reporting system SAM. SAM is an abbreviation for 

“Situation, Assess and Measures”. Its objective is 

to enable prompt preventive measures to counteract 

situations where there are risk potentials and near 

accidents. Best-in-class examples are also communicated 

using the system. Another objective of 

it is to improve awareness for, assessment of and 

readiness to communicate unsafe situations. Reports 

are stored in a database after being received. 

A working group in Kassel regularly deliberates 

on measures to implement the suggestions and 

improve the system. 

CRISIS MANAGEMENT. 

Wintershall’s HSE management system is aimed at 

avoiding incidents. However, to respond to unexpected 

events, Wintershall has an end-to-end, 

clearly defined and interdisciplinary crisis management 

system comprising strategies and measures 

to tackle incidents. The system is embedded in the 

existing management structures. Only a planned and 

organized approach guarantees the best-possible 

prevention and control of emergencies. Emergency 

plans, regular safety exercises and annual drills for 

major incidents aim to ensure an ideal response. 

Training courses help sensitize and prepare employees. 

HSE experts are responsible for drawing up, 

maintaining and supervising the measures and 

documentation for emergency planning. 

INSIGHTS. 

ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EMERGENCY 

RESPONSE ASSOCIATION. 

Almost 40 new companies have qualified as operators 

on the Norwegian Continental Shelf since 

2000. These companies will account for a significant 

proportion of exploration work in Norway during the 

next few years. To ensure safety in offshore production, 

there are organizations that can respond 

rapidly to dangerous situations. 

At the initiative of Wintershall Norge and in cooperation 

with the Norwegian Oil Industry Association 

(OLF) and other companies, a concept to set up a 

professional emergency prevention center for the 

new companies operating on the continental shelf 

was developed. A feasibility study confirmed the 

assumption that it would be able to offer a higherquality 

and more cost-efficient emergency service 

than the solutions currently available on the market. 

The Operators’ Emergency Response Association 

(OERA) was founded in june 2009 and a joint center 

was set up with ten employees. The obvious advantages 

of a permanent emergency response organization 

are greater safety thanks to improved quality 

and training of staff, as well as the fact that there is 

one and the same organization for all activities.

CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT. 

Many projects in the oil and gas industry are unimaginable 

without the support of external experts. 

That is why Wintershall uses contractors in various 

areas, including large specialist firms to conduct 

drilling campaigns, construction companies in infrastructure 

projects or smaller subcontractors at the 

administrative locations. 

Wintershall‘s selection criteria for contractors are 

not limited to economic aspects. Environmental 

protection and work safety standards are also taken 

into account in assessing new and existing contractor 

relationships. As regards compliance with 

HSE standards, the Wintershall Group places the 

same high requirements on its contractors as on 

its own employees. Consequently, the company 

applies strict criteria in selecting them. 

Extensive prequalification to examine a firm’s HSE 

performance is conducted before the contract is 

awarded. This comprises an assessment of the 

contractors on the basis of the HSE documentation 

submitted. Information events are also held together 

with the contractor companies. The objective is to 

inform contractors of Wintershall’s requirements, 

train them and give precise recommendations to 

them in relation to HSE and through this help them 

improve their HSE performance. 

Audits complement these measures. As part of 

contractor management, Wintershall’s contractors 

must also furnish proof of their HSE performance 

in further regular audits. The audits are conducted by 

a team of HSE experts and an operational specialist 

from the field of work. The findings are complemented 

by continuous on-site inspections. 


20/21 

PLANT AND 

PROCESS SAFETY. 

In addition to investments in exploring, developing 

and producing resources, the expansion of technological 

know-how is the basis for securing the 

success of our company. The ability to overcome 

challenging geological conditions and in particular 

apply innovative exploration, drilling and production 

technologies is a key aspect of Wintershall’s technological 

expertise, especially in its core regions. 

Worldwide, Wintershall operates facilities for exploring, 

producing and transporting crude oil and 

natural gas that comply with the very highest safety 

standards. The company invests continuously in 

the construction of new and further development 

of existing plants. It is crucial for plant safety to be 

state-of-the-art at all times. Availability and efficiency 

are also highly important. As early as the planning 

stage, aspects such as health, safety and the 

environment are integrated in a multi-phase process. 

So that all facets can be taken into account, plant 

safety reviews – for the most part interdisciplinary 

in nature – are conducted and headed by an HSE 

expert. Apart from identification of the measures 

needed to protect people and the environment, 

decisions on the safest process technology, a suitable 

location and logistics are taken. A tailor-made 

HSE concept containing the points of relevance to 

safety in planning, constructing and operating the 

facility is created for each project on the basis of processes, 

site plans, the existing local infrastructure, 

weather conditions and geotechnical information. 

Implementation of the concept is reviewed before 

the plant is commissioned. A further component of 

plant safety is inspections to check compliance 

with safety standards. 

A MULTI-STAGE SYSTEM ENSURES SAFETY. 

For drilling projects special demands on safety and 

environmental protection have to be taken into 

consideration. It is therefore necessary to define 

the HSE rules and responsibilities for the projects 

in advance and as precisely as possible so as to be 

prepared, in particular for unforeseen occurrences. 

Alongside the very highest technical standards, this 

includes emergency plans backed by regular drills. 

The company-wide HSE management system 

“WINS” and the Well Operations Policy are applied 

in all Wintershall activities, thus guaranteeing that the 

highest standards are adhered to. This is ensured 

by regular reporting, inspections and audits. 

With the help of different systems it is possible to 

ensure safety during drilling projects. Free-flowing 

production wells are protected by a subsurface 

safety valve and a Christmas tree with numerous 

closing valves, ensuring that the well is automatically 

shut in if an incident occurs. Multi-stage blowout 

preventers equipped with several independently 

operating safety devices to seal the well are used 

in exploration and can be activated automatically, 

mechanically or by remote control. As a minimum, 

Wintershall requires two redundant shut-off systems 

to be used at all times in exploration. In offshore 

production, an eight-stage barrier system is used, 

each with a large number of safety systems. These 

barriers ensure the overall integrity of the facility at 

all times, even if one or more elements fail.

FRACING: A WORLDWIDE PROvEN TECHNOLOGY. 

various factors determine how fast and for how 

long oil or gas can be produced from a reservoir, 

including the geological structure of the reservoir, 

the porosity and permeability of the reservoir rock, 

and the consistency and viscosity of the hydrocarbons 

it contains. 

Special techniques are required to extract oil or gas 

enclosed in extremely impermeable reservoir rock. 

Alongside horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing 

has been in use around the world for decades and 

is being improved all the time. The technique is 

used to exploit high-density reservoirs which lie 

deep underground. 

The process involves injecting water at high pressure 

at previously defined points into the solid rock 

layers to create fine millimeter-thin cracks in the 

rock. Sand mixed with the water (proppants) helps 

to keep these cracks open longer. The cracks make 

it easier for the hydrocarbons in the reservoir to flow 

toward the well for production. This method has 

also been used for decades in Germany in crude 

oil and gas production from conventional reservoirs, 

in drilling for hot water or, in recent years, in geothermal 

drilling. 

99 % of the fluid mixture used in fracing comprises 

water and sand, with around 1% being made up of 

chemical additives to ensure that silica sand, for 

example, blends with the water. The deliberately 

created flow channels stay open long enough and 

bacteria do not enter the reservoir. Apart from the 

natural seal due to the pressure from the mighty 

weight of the several hundred meter thick overlying 

rock, usually consisting of clay or salt layers, the 

well’s system of steel pipes, which are cemented 

into place, form secure barriers against the waterbearing 

aquifer layers. 

For several decades now, Wintershall has used fracing 

to produce crude oil and gas, mostly in tight gas 

deposits in Russia, Argentina, the Netherlands and 

Germany, with high safety and environmental standards 

– without any impact on the environment. 

HEALTH SAFETY ENVIRONMENT 

Fracing facility drilling hole Leer Z4 in Germany

22/23 

HEALTH PROTECTION. 

The aim of health protection at Wintershall is to 

prevent work-related illnesses or impairment to 

employees’ health, as well as maintain a high level 

of health within the workforce. 

Main topics are health promotion and ensuring 

effective medical care in the event of emergencies. 

As an international company, Wintershall also endeavors 

to give its employees the best possible 

preparation for journeys and assignments abroad 

and 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 by special procedural 

instructions and emergency cards for each location. 

The issue of health protection in exploration and 

production in remote regions and under extreme 

climatic conditions requires special attention. There 

is often a lack of medical care or the local medical 

infrastructure does not meet international standards. 

In such cases, special preventive measures 

are taken with great care to rule out health risks to 

employees and contractors as far as possible. 

Medical care by a company physician or a certified 

institution is provided at all locations. In addition, 

Wintershall offers its employees the chance to 

participate in regular health campaigns on topical 

issues, such as cancer prevention and screening, 

lack of exercise or nutrition, and take the initiative 

themselves. 

First aid courses

INSIGHTS. 

HEALTH PROTECTION IN PRODUCTION – 

NORM AND TENORM. 

Residues containing naturally occurring radioactive 

materials (NORM/TENORM) may arise in the production 

of hydrocarbons. Oil and gas themselves 

are not radioactive, unlike the enriched salty production 

water, which is charged with salts. 

The production residues, such as sludge or deposits 

on riser pipes, only emit a low-intensity dose. 

The values are well below the level of radiation to 

which aircraft passengers are exposed. These 

production residues are not a hazard to employees, 

the population or the environment. 

Production residues containing naturally occurring 

radioactive materials are disposed of in accordance 

with the provisions of the German Radiation Protection 

Ordinance. This process has been officially 

approved and examined. Storage of waste and 

exposure during work are monitored by radiological 

safety representative and is documented transparently 

at all times. 

During cleaning work on production facilities, all 

necessary measures, such as instruction, use of personal 

protective equipment, control measurements, 

etc., are carried out to exclude risk to employees, 

contractors and third parties. 

NORM/TENORM (technologically enhanced naturally 

occurring radioactive material), i.e. material 

containing natural radioactivity, arises in many 

segments of industry, including the production of 

drinking and mineral water, the geothermal sector, 

the metal-working industry and coal, ore, crude oil 

and gas production. The quantity of NORM/TENORM 

produced in Germany from the oil and gas industry is 

about 0.3 % of the total for the country as a whole. 

HAzARDOUS SUBSTANCE DATABASE. 

A hazardous substance database has been developed 

for the German production operations and 

can also be used internationally. It gives employees 

quick access to information on the substances 

used, for example in the form of safety data sheets, 

risks assessments and operating instructions. Because 

the database is available in Wintershall’s 

company network, it can be accessed locally and 

so is easy to use for all employees. Its content is 

maintained and updated centrally and thus is always 

up-to-date. However, the database is not only 

used in operational business, but also for conducting 

employees on the safe use of hazardous substances. 


24/25 

ENvIRONMENTAL 

PROTECTION. 

It goes without saying that Wintershall is committed to the responsible use of natural resources in 

exploration, field development and production. We respond to the challenges by applying high standards 

and driving technical innovation. Environmental protection is in our own financial interest. 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 efficient use of the resources required to find 

and produce reserves with new or improved methods and so minimize the impact on the environment.

REDUCTION OF EMISSIONS. 

The international community has set out ambitious 

goals in order to stop climate change. As laid down 

in the Kyoto Protocol, global greenhouse gas emissions 

are to be cut by at least five percent compared 

to their 1990 levels from 2008 to 2012. The European 

Union has committed itself to a reduction of 

at least eight percent in the same timeframe. In 

December 2008, the EU also agreed on a package 

of directives and targets for climate protection and 

energy, under which primary energy consumption 

and greenhouse gas emissions are to be cut by 20 

percent compared to 2005 by the year 2020. This 

comprises expanding renewable energies and increasing 

energy efficiency by 20 percent. 

Emissions are created in exploration, production 

and transportation of crude oil and 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 production 

facilities are often sited in poorly developed 

regions, energy must be generated on site, normally 

using fossil sources, such as gas, heating oil or 

diesel. These emit a number of substances into the 

air during their thermal conversion. Other processes 

where substances are emitted into the air 

are the flaring of associated gas or condensate 

during production and the release of unburned gas 

(cold flaring / venting) 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 

in selected core regions, Wintershall accepts its 

responsibility to protect the global climate. Apart 

from complying with international conventions, local 

laws and our own standards, we help cut emissions 

by using leading-edge technologies and new or 

improved methods to increase energy efficiency, 

thus minimizing the impact on the environment, 

reducing energy consumption and also keeping 

costs as low as possible. 

INFLUENCING FACTORS. 

Greenhouse gas emissions in production of crude 

oil and natural gas fluctuate for a number of production-related 

reasons. Projects, such as development 

of new fields, testing of wells, construction of 

pipeline links or scheduled plant shutdowns for 

maintenance or repair work, as well as safety reasons 

may influence their volume. 


26/27 

CO ² EMISSIONS TRADING. 

Emissions trading was introduced in the European 

Union as of january 1, 2005, as part of the implementation 

of the Kyoto Protocol. The goal of this system 

is to reduce CO ² emissions where it is cheapest to 

do so. Market players are facilities that produce 

emissions and have an output of more than 20 

megawatts capacity, energy-intensive industries 

and – as of 2012 – aviation. The second period of 

emissions trading in the European Union commenced 

on january 1, 2008, and will last until 2012. 

The companies involved are currently preparing for 

the 3rd trading period which will last from 2013 to 

2020 and involve major changes. As of 2013, the 

emissions trading system will be extended to other 

sectors and applied more stringently. In future, 

emissions rights will be auctioned to a greater extent 

and no longer distributed free of charge as is 

currently the case. The share of auctioned certificates 

will increase from 20 percent per annum in 

2013 to 70 percent by 2020. In addition, the total 

quantity of available certificates will be reduced 

continuously by 21 percent overall. 

Eleven plants at Wintershall/WINGAS are subject 

to the statutory requirements for emissions trading 

in the 2nd trading period from 2008 to 2012. They 

include compressor stations, the Rehden natural 

gas storage facility and the steam flooding plant 

in Emlichheim. Greenhouse gas emissions have 

already been reduced as a result of numerous 

projects aimed at improving energy efficiency. 

Wintershall is also involved in research projects 

investigating ways of storing and processing CO ² . 

Compressor station Mallnow in Germany

INSIGHTS. 

NO FLARING POLICY 2012. 

The flaring of associated gas not only destroys 

valuable energy resources worldwide, but also 

emits huge quantities of greenhouse gases into the 

atmosphere. To reflect our responsibility for the environment, 

we are committed to stopping flaring 

associated gas as part of routine operations. Flaring 

of it will be discontinued at our existing facilities by 

2012, while new plants will be constructed to enable 

use of the associated gas. As a result, we will play 

our part as a company dedicated to sustainable 

production and will also set international standards. 

We are regarded as a technological leader in Libya 

when it comes to environmental protection: The 

gas from the production of crude oil is already 

completely processed. The quantities of crude oil 

and associated gas are processed at the central 

facilities at the Nakhla and As Sarah fields. Following 

integration of the Hamid field in December 2006, 

flaring was finally ceased in Libya. 

STEAM FLOODING TECHNOLOGY. 

The crude oil at Wintershall’s Emlichheim site in 

Germany is especially viscous and hence difficult 

to extract, which is why the company uses a special 

technique. Water vapor at a temperature of 300 

degrees is forced into the reservoir at high pressure 

using steam flooding. The crude oil trapped in the 

rock heats up and becomes less viscous, enabling 

it to flow through the reservoir to the production 

wells more easily. Associated gas and natural gas 

are used to produce the steam. Thanks to the use 

of tempered and desalinated production water as 

boiler feed water, fuel consumption and the specific 

greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. 

EFFICIENT POWER GENERATION. 

Wintershall already supplies all its operations in 

Germany independently with electricity it generates 

itself. The largest of the facilities which help to 

supply the various sites is the combined heat and 

power generation (CHP) plant in Emlichheim. Gas 

that could not previously be used cost-effectively 

is now used to produce electricity and steam. The 

heart of the plant is a 5.2-megawatt gas turbine that 

drives a generator which produces up to 45 million 

kilowatt hours of electricity per year. Wintershall 

invested 5.9 million euros in building the new CHP 

plant. The exhaust heat, which has a temperature 

of more than 500° C and comes from the gas burned 

to produce the electricity, would normally be lost in 

conventional plants, but is used here to produce 

more than 100,000 tonnes of water vapor a year. 

Wintershall needs that to extract oil by steam 

flooding. The new technology cuts CO ² emissions 

by 25,000 tonnes a year. 

STEAM TURBINE USES ExHAUST HEAT. 

The exhaust heat from the three existing gas 

turbines at the Mallnow natural-gas compressor 

station near Frankfurt (Oder) is used to power a 

steam turbine. A pipe with a diameter of around 

four meters takes the exhaust gases of the gas 

turbines to a process, where steam is produced to 

drive the fourth turbine. Afterwards, the used steam 

is cooled and liquefied in a closed cycle. The steam 

turbine generates an output of up to 20 megawatts. 

Expensive drive power is therefore saved and CO ² 

emissions are specifically reduced. 


28/29 

WASTE AND WATER MANAGEMENT. 

WASTE MANAGEMENT. 

Waste emerges during the exploration and production 

of crude oil and natural gas. We try to avoid 

such waste wherever possible. Unavoidable waste 

is recycled and disposed in line with regulations. 

The amount of waste and its environmental impact 

during recycling and disposal can be significantly 

influenced by the source of generation. Wintershall 

disposes of waste in due form and in an environmentally 

friendly way, even where there is a lack of 

public or private means of disposal. A large part of 

the waste comes from former drilling mud pits, 

which Wintershall is now recultivating and rehabilitating. 

It is expected to complete this task by 2013. 

WATER MANAGEMENT. 

Production and waste water arise in the search for 

and production of crude oil and natural gas. Production 

water is removed from the oil or gas by 

means of separator systems at the surface. After 

being processed, the production water is reinjected 

into the original reservoir. Other waste water is 

produced in construction and operation of cavern 

storage facilities, during cleaning work and in treating 

water. Apart from that, there is also sanitary waste 

water; however, this only accounts for a relatively 

small proportion of the total amount of waste water. 

Sanitary waste water is cleaned and disposed of 

sensibly at locations where Wintershall is not connected 

to the public sewerage system. 

Wietingsmoor in Germany after recultivation

INSIGHTS. 

RECULTIvATION OF DRILLING MUD PITS. 

Drilling waste such as drilling fluids and cuttings 

used to be stored in pits. Today drilling fluids are 

partially reused or removed in accordance with 

regulations; drill cuttings are cleaned and then 

disposed of accordingly. 

Wintershall has been cleaning and renaturalizing 

pits in Bohlsen, Emlichheim, Eydelstedt and Wietingsmoor 

in an environmentally and landscape-friendly 

way since 2003. The deposited drilling mud is processed 

according to its nature and composition, 

and secured or recycled and disposed of at the 

relevant plants. The entire process is accompanied 

by extensive examinations. They include controlling 

the material to be disposed of, as well as the groundwater 

and the earth used to restore the areas. 

In Bohlsen new breeding and living grounds for a 

multitude of birds, endangered plants and insects 

was created by rehabilitation of an area of approximately 

24,000 m². After being cleaned up, the areas 

at the Eydelstedt and Wietingsmoor sites were filled 

with topsoil and ownership of them handed back 

with a view to reusing them for agriculture. 

Mud disposal pit 

Wietingsmoor 

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL IN STORAGE 

CONSTRUCTION. 

Wintershall’s subsidiary WINGAS ensures it meets 

the needs both of cost-effectiveness and protection 

of the environment during the construction of a 

cavern storage facility at jemgum in Germany. 

Because of its massive underground salt domes, 

the area around jemgum is particularly well suited 

to storing natural gas. The cavern storage facilities 

there are large cylindrical cavities in the salt layers 

that have been flushed out with water. The gas is 

then stored securely in the salt formation deep 

underground. So that caverns can be produced in 

a salt dome, however, water must first be fed deep 

into the site and then the brine, i.e. the water containing 

the dissolved rock salt, must be pumped 

back out of the cavity that has been formed. 

The project is conducted subject to strict environmental 

protection requirements. The fresh water 

used to flush out the caverns is not extracted by 

suction, but gravity-fed from the Ems so as to 

avoid any detrimental impact on the river’s fish. A 

means of minimizing the effects on the ecology was 

found by discharging the salt water produced in 

forming the caverns into the North Sea at Rysum 

just over 40 kilometers away. The original planning 

and approval envisaged discharge of brine into the 

Ems at nearby Ditzum. 

In discharging the brine into the North Sea, WINGAS 

strictly adheres to the statutory thresholds, which 

are controlled by an extensive monitoring program 

with the supervision and collaboration of the public 

authorities. 


30/31 

IN HARMONY WITH THE ENvIRONMENT – 

CONSTRUCTION PROjECTS. 

The Wintershall Group invests intensively in finding, 

producing and transporting crude oil and natural 

gas. Europe is increasingly dependent on commodity 

imports for securing its energy supply. The 

Wintershall subsidiaries WINGAS and WINGAS 

TRANSPORT alone are planning to expand the 

European natural gas infrastructure significantly 

with investments of around three billion euros by 

2015. The investments are mostly earmarked for the 

expansion of the transport system as well as the 

construction of new natural gas storage facilities 

in Europe. The Nord Stream natural gas pipeline 

through the Baltic Sea and its pipeline links OPAL 

and NEL are set to make a major contribution to 

transporting natural gas to Europe in future. 

Some of the construction projects extend across 

national borders and also cross numerous countryside 

areas. Accomplishing such large projects is a 

major logistical feat and demands a high degree of 

expertise when it comes to minimizing their ecological 

impact. The goal, as required by law, is to avoid 

spoiling the natural world and its proper functioning, 

ensure that it can still be used, and prevent any 

impairment to the flora and fauna. In addition, the 

group undertakes many more measures – some 

of them unusual – to protect the countryside to 

an extent above and beyond that required by law. 

Landscaping and nature conservation are important 

elements at all phases of the projects. 

CARE OF THE LANDSCAPE 

DURING PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION. 

Planning and building natural gas pipelines demand 

a large number of tasks and requirements. Especially 

the construction in terrain with difficult tectonics requires 

experience and know-how. The company’s 

experience in constructing pipelines enables it to 

live up to its responsibility for the environment and 

nature. The planning of a gas pipeline route takes 

into account ecologically valuable areas and infrastructure 

elements, such as transportation routes 

and built-up areas, as well as the supply security 

of the region concerned. This means that pipelines 

do not always take the shortest route, but the one 

that makes the most sense for the requirements of 

the population and the environment. 

Route planning is geared to nature conservation 

areas and the ecological conditions of the landscape. 

Protective measures, such as pressing 

pipes below rivers and streams, are defined in close 

collaboration with the landscape authorities, environmental 

offices and experts for environmental and 

landscape planning. The company’s building supervisors 

are supported from an ecological aspect in 

the implementation of tree protection measures, 

limiting working strips, and regulating working 

hours to protect birds’ breeding seasons. The fertile 

topsoil is removed and stored on the side before 

construction work begins. When the natural gas 

pipeline has been buried in the trench and is ready 

for operation, the trench is refilled with the soil that 

was previously removed. After work on the route 

has been completed, the beds of waterways are 

restored using formerly removed river gravel and their 

banks are renaturalized. The ground used for the 

construction site will be recultivated and loosened; 

trees and bushes will be planted. Meadows and 

arable land, as well as areas with trees and shrubs, 

are restored. Around a year after a gas pipeline has 

been laid, there are virtually no signs that there 

used to be a construction site. Development and 

care of the replanted areas continues for at least 

three years. The company also guarantees aftercare 

for all areas affected by pipeline construction 

after this period. Eventually, the fact that there is 

a pipeline can only be recognized by the yellow 

poles protruding from the ground every 100 to 

500 meters.

OFFSHORE ENvIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. 

The North Sea has been one of the world’s most 

important hydrocarbon production regions for 

decades. Wintershall itself has been involved in 

producing natural gas there since 1965 and operates 

26 platforms in its southern part. It also has 

offshore activities in Argentina and Libya. The expansion 

of offshore expertise is generally gaining 

importance in the exploration and production of 

oil and gas, and the company applies this expertise 

to its activities in other regions of the world. 

Wintershall Noordzee is based in Rijswijk near 

The Hague, and is home to the corporate-wide 

competence center for offshore technology. 

RECYCLING OFFSHORE pLATFORMS 

The conditions for producing oil and gas at sea 

are challenging. A production platform must be 

equipped to cope with the wind, weather, heavy 

seas, water quality and much, much more. The 

average service life of a platform is approximately 

25 years. After this they are usually disassembled 

and scrapped. Wintershall has now logically and 

beneficially combined ecology and economy in this 

area with the conversion and modernization of two 

platforms in the Dutch sector of the North Sea. 

In addition to natural gas production platform 

L5-C, E18-A has also been completely converted 

and modernized so that it can be moved on and 

produces elsewhere. The conversion of the old 

platforms saves costs, time and material compared 

to a completely new construction, as a large part 

of the installations can be reused. 

The predecessor to the E18-A platform, p14-A, 

was built in 1993, later dismantled at its location 

in the Dutch sector of the North Sea and towed 

to a shipyard in Rotterdam. The platform’s body, 

with its several decks and a helipad, were completely 

reconditioned and modernized at a yard 

in Ridderkerk. Reuse of a large part of the p14-A 

platform meant that 500 tons of steel and a considerable 

amount of energy – around 2.5 million 

kWh – were saved. The E18-A was equipped 

solely with electric generators to minimize emissions. 

A supply line to the adjacent F16-A provides 

the E18-A with electricity and operating resources 

and enables data to be transferred. As a result, it 

was possible to reduce the number of visits to the 

platform, which meant fewer helicopter flights and 

ship transports, hence reducing emissions. 

MITTELpLATE 

The Mittelplate platform in the UNESCO world 

cultural heritage site of the Wattenmeer in 

Schleswig-Holstein is the only oil producing 

facility operated from German waters. New and 

innovative technical solutions were necessary 

to develop the crude oil reserves at Mittelplate 

safely and ecologically. The 70 by 95 meter platform 

was built on the tidelands of the Mittelplate 

and protected on the sea side by a liquid-tight 

concrete-and-steel basin with sheet pile walls 

of eleven meters in height, so that there can be 

no uncontrolled discharges or seepage from it. 

Drilling and production operations are protected 

by sophisticated monitoring and control systems 

that provide multiple safeguards. Subsurface and 

surface safety valves can be activated automatically, 

manually and by remote control. Finally, 

laying a pipeline to the Dieksand land-based 

station eliminated the need for around 2,000 ship 

movements to remove the crude oil in doublehulled 

vessels. 


32/33 

SOCIAL 

RESPONSIBILITY. 

Conceive cultural differences as enrichment. Discover that our shared values outweigh our differences. 

This is why Wintershall’s international operations not only produce crude oil and natural gas, but also 

foster contact 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 the quality of life.

HUMAN RIGHTS. 

The Wintershall Group respects human rights and, 

as a responsible company, supports observance 

and promotion of them. 

In its economic activity, Wintershall sees itself as an 

attractive employer, dependable partner and good 

neighbor that nurtures the development of friendly, 

open and respectful relationships and mutual understanding 

between nations. 

Our employees’ working conditions worldwide 

comply at the minimum with basic international 

labor standards and the law of the countries where 

we operate. That includes preventing child and 

forced labor, upholding the principle of non-discrimination 

at work and the right to freedom of assembly 

and association. 

INSIGHTS. 

As a company which has operations around the 

world and employs more than 2,000 people from 

over 40 nations, we experience the enriching power 

of exchange across cultural borders daily and 

have promoted it for years at the international level. 

We feel connected to the regions in which our 

company operates. In addition to our cultural commitment, 

we also focus on helping people in need. 

Where we have activities, Wintershall sees itself as 

a neighbor who helps out when needed. 

Our employees have lent a helping hand in providing 

sports clothing and school uniforms for 30 

learners in the Cañadón-Asfalto Basin in Southern 

Patagonia, organizing computers and printers for a 

neighboring hospital or through supporting a public 

kitchen run by Caritas in Tierra del Fuego together 

with our partner Total. 

In North Africa, Wintershall Libya helped build a 

school and renovate a nursery school in jakhira. 

The company also gives support to regional festivals, 

public institutions and events for the workforce and 

the population of the region. When the mosque on 

the premises of Wintershall Libya became too small 

for the large number of local employees, the company 

had a new, bigger one built in 2004. Under 

Wintershall is also committed to fundamental values 

derived from its corporate philosophy: success, 

innovation, increasing value added, health and environmental 

protection, safety, intercultural competence, 

mutual respect, open dialogue and a high 

level of integrity. These values are defined in guidelines 

that are applied in our daily activities. That is 

because every single Wintershall employee acts as 

a role model and contributes to the company’s 

success with his or her actions. 

Wintershall engages in many cultural and social 

projects worldwide in the regions where it operates. 

CORPORATE NEIGHBORSHIP. 

the supervision of a Libyan engineer, between 15 

and 20 employees of a local construction company 

worked for five months on the new Omar Ben Al 

Khatab mosque. The mosque has been officially 

recognized and registered by the relevant authority. 

An imam has been appointed, who now calls the 

faithful to prayer every Friday. 

In Turkmenistan, Wintershall has helped equip a 

hospital room to Western standards. 

With the assistance of Wintershall’s subsidiary 

WINGAS, a home for blind and visually impaired 

children in Russia was connected to the public gas 

network, electricity lines and water pipes were renovated 

and the buildings were expanded. Picture 

books and games specially designed for visually 

impaired and blind children were also donated. 

We have also by now established a tradition of not 

giving Christmas presents to customers and business 

partners. Instead, we support charities and 

humanitarian organizations in Germany and our 

operating regions. In recent years, for example, we 

have given to schools, homes for children, and an 

SOS Children’s village, as well as to voluntary organizations 

and facilities for promoting the young. 

SOCIAL RESpONSIBILITY

34/35 

HSE Performance 

2010

36/37 

HEALTH AND SAFETY 


KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY. 

2010 was a success story for Wintershall in terms of the occupational safety of its own employees. There 

were no lost time injuries (LTIs) among our own employees. However, contractors suffered three fatal injuries 

(FAT) and six lost time injuries. The severity of the contractor accidents led the company to critically review 

its safety regulations and derive suitable measures to avoid such incidents in future. 

WINTERSHALL / WINGAS CONTRACTORS 

2009 2010 2009 2010 

Number of employees* 2,077 2,164 - - 

Fatal accidents (FAT) 0 0 0 3 

Incident with > 1 day lost time (LTI) 3 0 8 6 

Lost time incident frequency rate 

per one million man hours (LTIF) 0.65 0 1.68 1.01 

The statistical data on its own employees’ performance 

demonstrates that Wintershall was able to 

surpass its achievements of the previous year. For 

own employees the 2010 frequency (LTIF) was zero, 

the internal targets were therefore met. Despite an 

increase in the overall incidents witnessed in 2010, 

the LTIF rate for contractors declined from 1.68 in 

2009 to 1.01 in 2010. This has to be attributed to 

the increase in working hours performed by 42 % 

in comparison to the 2009 data. Following the severe 

accidents in 2010, specific prevention measures 

were derived during the course of the accident 

investigation. The increase in working hours can be 

attributed to the construction of the OPAL pipeline 

and the jemgum storage facility by WINGAS and 

increased exploration activities in Norway, qatar 

and Mauretania. 

The increase in accidents during contractor activities 

can be partly attributed to an increased demand 

for experts in the past years. This has had a negative 

effect on the qualifications and especially on 

experience of personnel, which directly influences 

safety performance. Wintershall is working with its 

partners to reestablish the high level of training in 

the oil and gas industry. We will systematically 

apply the contractor management methods we 

have developed so that external companies meet 

the requirements we have set out. 

*Excluding temporary employees; part-time employees pro rata. 

The WINGAS Group has derived specific measures 

from the investigations into the severe incidents 

which occurred in 2010. They include an external 

review of the safety concept, the obligation to submit 

applications for all activities at construction sites 

outside the agreed working time, monitoring of 

compliance by means of helicopter flights over sites, 

random checks, including at weekends, and training 

and specially tailored courses for different trades. 

The goal in 2011 is to avoid any type of accident. 

With enhanced standards and even more commitment, 

we are working to continuously improve the 

high level of safety and our performance. 

We are constantly striving to improve the companywide 

health, safety and environment management 

system (WINS). This is supported by intensive experience 

exchange and dialogue between experts 

from the Operating Companies (OPCOs) and Business 

Units (BUs) at Wintershall’s global locations 

and our involvement in committees of the International 

Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) 

and the industry association Erdöl- und Erdgasgewinnung 

e. v. (WEG). 

HEALTH SAFETY ENVIRONMENT 2010

38/39 

SAFETY 2010 

AT A GLANCE. 

WORLDWIDE: REvIEW OF SAFETY STANDARDS 

IN OFFSHORE PRODUCTION. 

The Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico 

had serious consequences for the environment. 

The impact of the blowout, which was caused by 

the failure of various safety systems, was also exacerbated 

by the fact that the platform was located 

in waters that are 1,500 meters in depth, leading 

to the blowout being considerably more difficult to 

control. The E&P industry has responded to the 

event by conducting extensive reviews of the existing 

safety systems applied in offshore production. An 

industry-wide working group set up by the International 

Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP) 

reviewed the course of the incident and the underlying 

causes. The objective of the review was to 

reassess the systems currently applied and adapt 

procedures where required. 

Even though Wintershall itself does not operate any 

deep-sea drilling activities, the findings from investigation 

report were closely monitored. In order to 

improve safety in drilling operations further, the 

potential relevance of the courses of events and 

failed barriers were assessed. In drilling wells and 

producing hydrocarbons, Wintershall adheres to 

the very highest standards of environmental protection 

and safety. At the same time Wintershall is 

constantly seeking opportunities to improve the 

safety of existing technologies. A task force was 

established in 2010 to implement learning points 

and optimize existing processes further. 

GERMANY: FIRE DRILL AT THE REHDEN 

NATURAL GAS STORAGE FACILITY. 

In the fall of 2010, Wintershall invited safety experts 

to attend a drill for a major incident at the natural 

gas storage facility in Rehden. During the annual 

fire drill, around 60 field personnel from Wintershall 

and BASF plant fire services, as well as local volunteer 

fire fighters, trained for various scenarios in Rehden. 

Additionally safety experts from the Gazprom subsidiary 

Gazobezopasnost, from Gazprom export, 

Achimgaz and Severneftegazprom observed the 

drill for the first time. 

During the exercise, a task was to bring an ignited 

gas outlet under control at a wellhead. Together 

with the volunteer fire fighters, the Wintershall plant 

fire service demonstrated various extinguishing 

techniques and a personnel rescue maneuver in 

front of almost a hundred guests. The Ludwigshafen 

BASF plant fire service’s most modern service vehicle, 

the turbo extinguisher, played a central role 

in the fire drill. The turbo extinguisher is equipped 

with two aircraft turbines, and water or foam is fed 

into their jet wash. Through this, the special vehicle 

generates a fine mist which prevents flames and 

escaping gas from spreading. Thus, one hundred 

percent of water-soluble gases can be washed out 

of the atmosphere. Up to 8,000 liters of water per 

minute can be reduced to a fine spray and sprinkled 

over an area of up to 3,500 square meters from a 

distance of 150 meters. 

Fire drill in Rehden (Germany)

GERMANY: MICROTUNNEL – WORKING IN COM- 

PRESSED AIR CONDITIONS. 

The Baltic Sea Pipeline Link (OPAL) will pass below 

the River Peene via a microtunnel that was drilled 

in a depth of up to 25 meters. This method was 

chosen to protect the sensitive countryside and 

surrounding nature reserve. A tunneling machine 

with a diameter of three meters was used to drill a 

tunnel from the entry pit to the exit pit 1,000 meters 

away. As the machine advanced, 4-meter concrete 

segments were inserted in the tunnel. At the completion 

of the tunnel, the pipes for OPAL, which had been 

welded together beforehand, were drawn in. 

The discovery of a granite erratic boulder of around 

three meters in diameter after 650 meters of drilling 

resulted in the cutting tools having to be replaced 

on the drill head at a depth of around 22 meters. 

The position below groundwater level was a 

challenge. Due to the prevailing conditions in the 

subsoil, the tool had to be replaced with the front 

section of the tunnel pressurized using compressed 

air. This ensured stability, enabled access and prevented 

an excessive influx of groundwater. Extensive 

sealing work for the tunnel and surface were 

necessary to make the working area air-tight. The 

pressure at the drill head was 2.3 bars, equivalent 

to that when diving at a depth of 20 meters. Consequently, 

special compressed air equipment was 

needed to ensure safe working conditions and 

minimize the physical strain and stress. The technicians 

worked in three shifts, each lasting 2.5 

hours; it also took around 3 hours to prepare the 

workers for the face and another 3 hours to return 

them to the surface in a compression chamber. 

The entire work program was supervised by an 

occupational physician and coordinated by a team 

of professional divers. 


40/41 

RUSSIA: STC – 

WORKING HAND-IN-HAND FOR SAFETY. 

Over the past few years, the successful collaboration 

between Wintershall and Gazprom along the entire 

value creation chain – from the wellhead in Siberia 

to the customer in Europe – has been expanded 

systematically to other important areas for both 

companies. Wintershall and the Gazprom safety 

experts have been working together regularly since 

2008. The goal is to develop the skills and safety 

know-how of their field personnel when it comes to 

rectifying damage, improve coordinated interaction 

between them and test new protective equipment 

and devices. Following joint safety drills in Astrakhan, 

Russia, and in Rehden, Germany, further projects 

are planned for 2011. 

LIBYA: vEHICLE TRACKING SYSTEM FOR 

THE DESERT. 

Under challenging climatic conditions Wintershall 

produces oil in Libya. In 2010, Wintershall Libya 

equipped its vehicle fleet and an aircraft with a 

satellite-based positioning system to enable rapid 

localization of vehicles in the desert, where full 

coverage by mobile communications and vHF radio 

is not possible. The vehicle tracking system enables 

vehicles to be tracked down quickly and easily, even 

in remote areas, and can navigate teams to their 

location if need be. It can be operated from anywhere 

in the world. 

Exploration in Norway 

NORWAY: ADAPTING TO GROWTH. 

Wintershall is one of the biggest licensees in Norway, 

holding more than 40 licenses and over 20 operatorships. 

The company plans to invest more than one 

billion euros in this region by 2015 and has discovered 

highly promising reserves off the Norwegian coast. 

In 2010, Wintershall Norge and its consortium partners 

conducted numerous audits of their contractors 

and drilling rig operators to ensure compliance with 

the HSE standards. Areas such as health and safety 

management, environmental protection, maintenance 

and repair and emergency management 

were audited. 

Due to the continuous expansion of its activities in 

Norway, Wintershall Norge also pressed ahead 

with adapting the existing management system to 

changing conditions. One project team is developing 

a business management system integrating the 

HSE quality management system. Both employees 

and contractors are to be given access to the webbased 

system.


HEALTH PROTECTION. 

As in 2009, no employee of Wintershall suffered from an occupational disease in 2010. 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. The working conditions in exploration, production 

and administration are of a very high standard. A total of 53 plant inspections to check standards were 

conducted. Beside this, numerous workplace inspections were performed by the management according 

to the requirements of the HSE Management System. 

In order to ensure that emergency first aid can be administered, there are 557 first aiders who hold a nationally 

recognized certificate in first aid at the Wintershall Group’s locations. 

501 medical examinations relating to prevention or early screening for work-related diseases and to prepare 

staff for travels abroad were conducted worldwide in 2010. 

HEALTH PROTECTION 2010 AT A GLANCE. 

Keeping healthy is not only a question of ensuring 

that operating facilities are technically safe. 

Health consciousness, and the will of each and 

every one of us to promote health and safety and 

to communicate this issue, is of crucial importance. 

Wintershall therefore believes it is vital to give its 

employees up-to-date information on important 

health concerns. Wintershall staged a campaign 

under the slogan “avoid bowel cancer” in 2010. It 

was specifically aimed at providing information on 

this form of cancer and measures to prevent it. 

Specialist doctors and nutritionists explained the 

illness and ways it might be prevented. Around two 

hundred employees took part in free early screening 

at the headquarters in Kassel. 

Wintershall offers its employees regular vaccination 

against influenza – a service that was also taken up 

by many in 2010. In addition, company physicians 

provide employees assigned abroad with intensive 

health advice and services before they travel. That 

includes health information on the country they are 

traveling to, as well as administering the vaccinations 

required there. 

An emergency can strike anybody. The persons 

affected often only have a chance of survival if 

immediate measures are put into effect. Above all, 

it is vital to know what to do in emergencies. That 

is why Wintershall gives its employees the opportunity 

to take part in first-aid courses. Wintershall 

and WINGAS also encourage staff to take part in 

courses for company first aiders held by the German 

Red Cross. The company registers the employees 

for courses and also assumes the costs. 

Donating blood can also save life. In 2010, two 

blood donation drives were organized at the headquarters 

in Kassel and almost 100 employees took 

part in them. 


42/43 

ENvIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 



ENvIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. 

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of BASF SE, Wintershall is committed 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 reported its environmental emissions in exploration and production as part of the OGP’s 

“Environmental Performance in the E&P Industry” report since 2006. 

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. Depending on the 

location of our production sites relative to the supply networks, we obtain electricity from the public grid or 

produce it ourselves at remote locations. 

In 2010 we used a total of 977,742 MWh in electrical energy, an additional 4,260 Mio. MWh energy for 

production processes and 511,514 tonnes of steam for our processes. 

The use and generation of energy are subject to continuous improvement regarding efficient energy use. 

Examples are the commissioning of a highly efficient combined heat and power generation (CHP) plant at 

our Emlichheim location in Germany and installation of a system to enable use of exhaust heat at a gas 

turbine generator plant in Nakhla in Libya. In addition, Wintershall is testing generation of wind and solar 

power in a pilot project in the Libyan Desert with the aim of obtaining an energy-efficient electricity supply 

for remote facilities. 


44/45 

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. 

Emissions released into the air are regularly controlled and recorded in accordance with statutory stipulations 

and our own standards. Apart from greenhouse gas emissions, we also ascertain emissions of air pollutants. 

They include inorganic gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (as NO ² ) and sulfur dioxide 

(as SO ² ). Apart from carbon dioxide (CO ² ), nitrous oxide (NOx) and methane (CH 4), no other greenhouse 

gases are emitted by Wintershall. 

Wintershall was able to cut greenhouse gas emissions last year by 11 percent compared with 2009. 

Production operations at Wintershall and WINGAS accounted for total emissions of 1.37 million tonnes of 

CO ² (2009: 1.67 million) and 3,318 tonnes of CH 4 (2009: 5,940) in 2010. Relative to Wintershall’s production 

of crude oil, natural gas and condensate, the specific emission is 0.08 tonnes of CO ² /toe (2009: 0.08). 

Methane losses in gas production in 2010 were around 0.024 percent of the total quantity of natural gas 

produced. 

source oF co ² emissions co ² emissions 2009 (t) co ² emissions 2010 (t) 

Production processes 1,507,838 828,579 

Indirect (import/export of electricity/steam) 46,814 79,715 

Direct (electricity and steam production) 123,079 465,135 

source of ch 4 emissions ch 4 emissions in (t) 2009 ch 4 emissions in (t) 2010 

Production, undifferentiated 5,940 3,318 

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is mainly attributable to rigorous measures to improve energy 

efficiency, such as commissioning of a CHP plant to produce electricity at Emlichheim, lower emissions in 

the Netherlands and further implementation of the No Flaring Policy. Of the produced associated gas 95 % 

is used to the date. 

FOR AN ENvIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY FUTURE: NATURAL GAS. 

Natural gas stands out among fossil fuels on account of its high energy efficiency and favorable environmental 

properties. When natural gas is burned, it gives off mainly CO ² and water vapor. Sulfur and nitrogen 

are found only in low concentrations. Far fewer greenhouse gases and dust particles are emitted compared 

to other fossil fuels. 

During transportation process from the production field to the customer, natural gas sometimes travels 

several thousand kilometers through pipelines. The gas has to be compressed at regular intervals in compressor 

stations in order to compensate for the pressure loss caused by friction at the interior pipe wall. 

Electric, gas and steam turbines are used to drive the compressors. virtually sulfur-free natural gas is used 

as fuel for the gas turbines.

CO ² -EMISSIONS TRADING IN GERMANY. 

In 2010, WINGAS TRANSPORT’s natural gas compressor stations in Mallnow, Olbernhau, Rückersdorf, 

Eischleben, Reckrod, Lippe and Haiming, WINGAS’ natural gas storage facility in Rehden and Wintershall’s 

CHP and steam flooding plants in Emlichheim as well as two Wintershall platforms in the Netherlands were 

required to participate in the emissions trading scheme. In 2010, the German Emissions Trading Agency 

(DEHSt) allotted our plants 744,624 EU allowances (EUA/a). Our German plants that are required to trade 

emissions emitted a total of 447,628 tonnes of CO ² in 2010. 

Wintershall is currently preparing for the 3rd emissions trading period from 2013 to 2020. It is necessary to 

reapply for the EU allowances for this period. In addition, allowances for the OPAL natural gas transfer 

station, which is currently under construction in Lubmin, and the new OPAL gas compressor station at 

Radeland must be applied for from the Emissions Trading Agency. 

EMISSIONS OF OTHER SUBSTANCES. 

Fossil sources of energy, such as natural gas, heating oil or diesel, which emit various substances into the air 

during their thermal conversion, are used in some cases for power generation and production at our locations. 

Emissions of inorganic substances fell by 1,621 tonnes in 2010. Measures to increase energy efficiency, 

improved utilization of associated gas and lower energy requirements are among the reasons for this. 

inorgAnic substAnces emissions 2009 (t) emissions 2010 (t) 

Total inorganic substances 4,586 2,965 

Carbon monoxide (CO) 2,005 1,033 

Nitrogen oxides (NO ) as NO x ² 

2,276 1,678 

Sulfur oxides (SO 

² 

+SO 

³ 

) as SO 

² 

Organic substances 

305 254 

Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMvOC) 

Other substances 

2,375 2,015 

Particulate matter 20 30 


46/47 

WASTE MANAGEMENT. 

Waste is classified, stored, handled, transported 

and disposed of in accordance with the applicable 

legislation of the country in question. In this respect 

Wintershall follows international and own standards. 

Waste is classified into the categories “hazardous 

waste” and “non-hazardous waste” according to 

EU regulations. 

In 2010 Wintershall incurred 61,268 tonnes of waste 

(2009: 185,095). 29,505 tonnes were hazardous 

waste (2009: 150,122) and 31,763 tonnes nonhazardous 

waste (2009: 34,973). 

83 % of the waste was disposed of at approved 

dumps. Around 8 % was recycled or subjected to 

thermal recovery, approximately 4 % was disposed 

of in waste incinerators and 5 % was disposed of 

properly in other ways. The volume of waste declined 

in comparison to the previous year due to 

completion of the recultivation at the used drilling 

mud pit at Wietingsmoor. 

WATER MANAGEMENT. 

A total of 9.5 million cubic meters of water were 

used in 2010 (2009: 9.8 million), most of which – 

8.5 million m³ (2009: 9.6 million) – was accounted for 

by production water. Some 6.55 million cubic meters 

of production waster were reinjected into the reservoirs 

after being separated from the crude oil and 

natural gas at the surface. Production water from 

our offshore platforms totaled 1.97 million m³ and, 

after being cleaned, was discharged into the sea in 

compliance with the statutory threshold limits. 

There were also 152,210 cubic meters of sanitary 

waste water and 758,322 cubic meters of other 

waste water. A total of 501,332 m³ was fed to waste 

water treatment facilities. 

old oak saved

ENvIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

2010 AT A GLANCE. 

WINGAS: COMPENSATION FOR OPAL. 

As compensation for land-use through construction of the Baltic Sea Pipeline Link (OPAL), a multi million 

euro sum is being invested to expand, maintain and care for areas of ecological value. In Brandenburg 

alone, some 280 hectares have been converted into semi-natural biotopes, including reforestation of an 

area of just under 90 hectares. The diversity of heathlands is to be fostered over around 40 hectares, 

while a further 40 hectares will be turned into forest monocultures. In addition, hedges and tree rows 

will be planted, wetland biotopes created and the renaturation of watercourses supported. 

WINGAS SOMETIMES TAKES A DETOUR IN CONSTRUCTING PIPELINES. 

In order to protect an oak at least 200 years old and with a diameter of 1.6 meters that was in the 

planned path of OPAL, the gas pipeline was diverted around the tree and the adjacent small pond. 

WINGAS: ECO GAS WITH A POSITIvE CO ² BALANCE. 

Since October 2010, Wintershall’s subsidiary WINGAS has been offering eco gas, i.e. CO ² -neutral 

natural gas. As a result, customers can completely offset the greenhouse gases emitted during the 

burning process. The emissions are compensated by CO ² reductions in climate protection projects. 

The projects are chosen in accordance with strict international quality criteria, such as those of the 

Gold Standard. These are accepted by environmental organizations like the WWF. The certificates, 

which are acknowledged and inspected by independent bodies such as the UN Climate Secretariat in 

Bonn, are purchased by WINGAS and then taken off the market and deleted. The emission-reducing 

processes are regularly monitored by recognized organizations such as Germany’s technical inspection 

association TÜv. 

WINGAS: BIOGAS IN THE PORTFOLIO. 

WINGAS’ eco gas portfolio is also complemented by biogas. WINGAS cooperates with farmers who 

supply the company with biogas under long-term contracts. Mixing in biogas can further improve natural 

gas’ excellent CO ² values. In accordance with the Federal German Government’s targets, by 2020, six 

billion cubic meters of biogas are to be fed into the German natural gas pipeline network each year. 


48/49 

NETHERLANDS: WINTERSHALL NOORDzEE 

CERTIFIED TO ISO 14001. 

In june 2010, Wintershall Noordzee’s HSE management 

system was recertified in accordance with the 

international environmental standard ISO 14001 for 

the third time after 2005 and 2007. This requires 

the company to have a defined environmental policy, 

environmental objectives and a management 

system that helps achieve the objectives. These 

criteria are met by Wintershall Noordzee with its 

system. This is geared toward constant control 

and improvement of the company’s environmental 

balance. 

LIBYA: ABSORBENT TO HELP SAvE WATER. 

The company has planted over a hundred palms 

and mango, orange and other citrus trees for test 

purposes in the Nakhla treatment facility in the 

middle of the Sahara as part of testing the absorbent 

Luquasorb from BASF. If the test goes 

well, the absorbent will be passed on to the local 

settlements in the area, so that they can use it to 

reduce their agricultural water consumption. Four 

kilograms of absorbent are mixed with sand per palm 

and incorporated in the root area. The absorbent 

sucks up the water into a gel to prevent it from 

seeping away or evaporating quickly. A new water 

treatment plant is also being built. This cleaned water 

will then be used to water the plants and trees. 

LIBYA: POWER FROM SUN AND WIND ENERGY 

WITH CRUDE OIL PRODUCTION. 

A further model project in Libya, which has been 

running since early 2010, will examine whether installations 

outside the central production facilities, 

such as camps, measuring points and pumps, 

can be independently supplied with power from 

sun and wind energy. Under desert conditions 

the power generated from wind in the project is 

compared to the output of a photovoltaic system. 

The effects are not limited to savings in fossil fuel 

consumption – greenhouse gas emissions are also 

reduced. 

Libya

qATAR: SAFETY DRILL AND INFORMATION 

EvENT HELD. 

In 2010, an initial exploration well was drilled in the 

Khuff formation in the western part of exploration 

block 4N in qatar. Extensive safety measures were 

taken in advance to avoid oil spills. As protection, 

Wintershall has concluded service agreements in 

qatar with a specialist emergency organization that 

keeps safety equipment available on an escort ship 

stationed alongside the well. The drillship’s crew 

practiced using the equipment in an emergency 

exercise. Wintershall is also involved in block 3 in 

qatar. Following the first 3D seismic investigations 

in 2010, exploration wells are planned in the coming 

years. Before the seismic campaign, Wintershall’s 

contractor Western Geco held an information event 

for local fishers in order to avoid disruptions for all 

parties involved. 

RUSSIA: GREEN OFFICE CAMPAIGN. 

It is only now that Russians are slowly becoming 

aware about environmental protection and resource 

conservation. Wintershall Russia therefore initiated 

an environmental protection campaign for employees 

at its office in Moscow. In addition to an evaluation 

of the office building’s environmental compatibility, 

the Green Office Campaign also focused on showing 

employees small but effective ways with which 

they can make a personal contribution to environmental 

protection and resource conservation. Many 

employees also took part in a campaign to clean the 

banks of the Moskva River in their spare time. 


50/51

OUTLOOK.

52/53 

NEWS. 

SCHIzOPHYLLAN – 

A SMALL FUNGUS WITH A BIG IMPACT. 

The production of crude oil and natural gas is no 

longer conceivable without modern and highlyspecialized 

technology. And yet the best methods 

often come from nature itself, as is the case with 

the largest research project that the German crude 

oil and natural gas producer Wintershall is currently 

conducting together with BASF. A fungus is in its 

focus – for one simple reason: When it consumes 

oxygen and starch, Schizophyllum commune – as 

the fungus is called – generates a biopolymer, a 

100 % biological thickening agent. 

This polymer can be used for oil production: The 

gelatin-like substance thickens the water which is 

injected into the reservoir to enhance production. 

The water can force more oil out of the reservoir 

because it increases viscosity. This technique can 

raise the recovery rate from a reservoir significantly. 

Even more, it does so in an environmentally friendly 

way because the biopolymer is fully biodegradable. 

START OF CONSTRUCTION OF NEL. 

Work on building NEL, the North European Natural 

Gas Pipeline, got up and running in 2011. 440 km 

in length, it is one of Germany’s largest pipeline 

projects and demands extreme precision on the 

part of the engineers planning it: Its route takes 

into account the factors natural conservation, geography, 

safety and cost-effectiveness. All this is 

underpinned by sophisticated technology and a 

planning process that includes all agencies and 

organizations representing public interests. The 

pipeline is scheduled for completion by fall 2012. 

ExPLORATION OF SHALE GAS DEPOSITS. 

Germany has valuable undeveloped gas deposits, 

for example in the form of shale gas. Work to quantify 

natural gas resources in such unconventional 

reservoirs is still in its early stages. The German 

Federal Institute for Geosciences and Raw Materials 

(BGR) is currently investigating the overall potential 

for domestic shale gas production on behalf of the 

German Federal Ministry of Economics. 

Wintershall is also involved in the scientific evaluations 

and in August 2011 was granted permission 

by the mining authorities to carry out geological 

tests in two fields. Wintershall’s “Rheinland” and 

“Ruhr” concessions cover an area of 3,900 km² 

and stretch from the German/Dutch border in the 

west as far as the Sauerland region in the east. 

Wintershall’s activities in the next three years will be 

confined solely to preliminary geological surveys to 

assess the resource potential of possible unconventional 

reservoirs in these areas. Deep drilling 

and fracing operations are not planned. The scientific 

work program in North-Rhine Westphalia includes 

special rock investigations aimed at providing 

information about the gas content of the rock at 

greater depths. 

We will be focusing on shale horizons which, in 

selected locations, are already close to the surface, 

thus making it easy to carry out geological tests. 

Shallow core holes of up to 200 meters under the 

surface which provide rock samples for closer geological 

examination may also be drilled and must 

be applied for individually. 

Wintershall does not currently produce shale gas 

either at its international sites or in Germany. The 

results of the preliminary investigations must be 

carefully evaluated before any shale gas deposits 

in Germany can be exploited – needless to say 

under the precondition that shale gas production 

would make economic sense and would not cause 

undue damage to the environment. That is because 

there is no hard and fast answer to this question at 

present.

ACTION DAYS. 

ENvIRONMENTAL DAY 2011. 

To mark the United Nations World Environmental 

Day, Wintershall is also launching a company-wide 

campaign to promote environmental protection 

and increase ecological awareness. The company 

will provide information on its environmental protection 

activities at the Wintershall Environmental 

Day 2011. It will also show how every single one of 

us can help protect the ecology by small measures 

at work and in everyday life. Outstanding projects 

from Wintershall’s global locations will be showcased 

in an exhibition. International experts will present 

environmental protection measures in the oil and 

gas industry in a program of talks. Focal issues will 

be production of shale gas and construction of the 

Nord Stream Baltic Sea Pipeline. 

HEALTH CAMPAIGN 2011. 

Skin protection is the theme of Wintershall’s Health 

Campaign 2011. Since skin diseases are one of 

the most widely spread occupational illnesses, the 

campaign will provide information on related risk 

factors and valuable tips on preventing such diseases. 

The emphasis is on work-related skin diseases, 

skin and sun protection and early detection of skin 

cancer. Within the campaign Wintershall offers free 

skin cancer screening for employees. 

STC – HSE ExPERTS MEET ON SAKHALIN. 

In 2011, HSE experts from Wintershall will meet with 

Gazprom’s safety and rescue service on Sakhalin 

in Eastern Siberia to share their experiences and 

discuss the latest technologies and methods for 

rectifying damage. Gazprom has built Russia’s first 

liquefied natural gas plant on the island in order to 

supply countries in the Far East. The challenging 

climatic conditions and sensitive ecosystem demand 

special protective measures in the area of health, 

safety and environment. 

OUTLOOK LIBYA. 

Wintershall is monitoring the developments in Libya 

with great concern. The company closed down production 

in the desert and shut in the wells securely 

at the end of February 2011 for safety reasons. No 

more oil has been produced there since then. All international 

employees were flown out at the same time. 

368 local employees remained in the country, some 

of whom are also supervising and monitoring the 

operating facilities. Before that, Wintershall had produced 

around 100,000 barrels of oil a day in Libya. 

It is currently difficult to assess how the situation in 

Libya will develop. Wintershall is taking care of its 

Libyan employees on site as best it can. At present 

it is not possible to foresee whether, when and how 

oil production in Libya can be recommenced. 

Wintershall’s commitment in Libya is long-term and 

sustainable – and one to which the company is 

firmly dedicated. 

Wintershall is supporting the International Red Cross 

(IRC) and Red Crescent in their work in Libya with 

100,000 euros of immediate aid. The donations will 

be used specifically to help people in Libya and 

Tunisia. In addition, a fundraising campaign for employees 

was initiated and Wintershall doubles every 

euro donated. 

Wintershall has been active in exploration and production 

in Libya, one of Africa’s biggest oil producers, 

since 1958. More than 2 billion US dollars have been 

invested in the country since then, and more than 

150 wells have been drilled. Wintershall currently 

operates eight onshore oil fields in concessions 

96 and 97 in the Libyan Desert. The facilities are 

approximately 1,000 km southeast of Tripoli. 

OUTLOOK

54/55 

HSE IN FIGURES. 

wintershAll perFormAnce unit 2010 2009 

Sales to third parties mil. € 10,791 11,356 

• Exploration & Production mil. € 3,819 3,846 

• Natural Gas Trading mil. € 6,972 7,509 

Profit from operating companies (EBIT) mil. € 2,334 2,289 

• Exploration & Production mil. € 1,918 1,781 

• Natural Gas Trading mil. € 416 508 

occupAtionAl sAFety unit 2010 2009 

Number of employees* 

Own employees 

2,164 2,077 

• Fatalities (FAT) 0 0 

• Incident with > 1 day lost time (LTI) 

• Lost time incident frequency rate 

0 3 

per one million man hours (LTIF) 

Contractors 

0 0.65 

• Fatalities (FAT) 3 0 

• Incident with > 1 day lost time (LTI) 

• Lost time incident frequency rate 

6 8 

per one million man hours (LTIF) 1.01 1.68 

LTIF total (own employees and contractors) 0.67 1.17 

occupAtionAl heAlth unit 2010 2009 

Occupational disease own employees 0 0 

First aiders Wintershall/WINGAS 557 - 

Occupational medical check ups 501 - 

environment 

Energy consumption (total) 

unit 2010 2009 

(general and production process) mil. MWh 5,238 5,933 

• General MWh 977,742 140,929 

• Production process 

Greenhouse gas emissions 

mil. MWh 4,260 5,792 

• CO 

² 

mil. t 1.37 1.67 

• CH4 t 3,318 5,940 

Emissions of inorganic substances 

Emissions trading 

t 2,965 4,586 

• Received emission allowances 

• Emissions from facilities regulated 

EUA/a 744,624 730,385 

under emissions trading scheme t 447,628 493,546 

Waste disposal t 61,268 185,095 

Water turnover (incl. production water) mil. m3 9.5 9.8 

*Excluding temporary employees; part-time employees pro rata.

CONTACT PERSONS. 

KASSEL HEAD OFFICE 

Contact: +49 561 301-1757 

hse@wintershall.com 

Guido Schnieders 

Corporate HSE Manager 

jörn Kahle 

HSE Expert 

Klaus jantos 

Environmental Expert 

Georgina Wien 

HSE Manager WINGAS 

Malalay Osmani 

HSE Expert 

Lars Winkels 

HSE Manager 

GERMANY (WIDE) 

Dr. Michael Bätcher 


NETHERLANDS (WINz) 

Onno Spinder 

HSE & Permitting Manager 

ARGENTINA (WIAR) 

Andres Wertheimer 

Human Resources & Administration Manager 

RUSSIA (WIRF) 

Nikolay Popov 


NORWAY (WINO) 

janne Lea 

HSEq Manager 

qATAR (WIqA) 

Axel Barenschee 


Responsible for the content 

Wintershall Holding GmbH 

Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 160 

34119 Kassel, Germany 

Tel.: +49 561 301-0 

Fax: +49 561 301-1702 

Concept, Design 

and Typesetting 

Damm & Bierbaum GmbH, Frankfurt am Main 

Lithography 

ORT, Frankfurt am Main 

CONTACT pERSONS

HSE Annual Report 2010 (English) - WINTERSHALL

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