Lula, a Large-Scale Crisis Exercise

Total’s employee participating in Lula exercise
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In November 2013, Total organized a crisis exercise off the Angolan coast. Code named "Lula", it aimed to help the Group prepare the most effective response in the event of a major offshore oil spill
Total’s employee participating in Lula exercise
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The exercise simulated a leak from an underwater oil well located 1,000 meters below the surface. More than 400 people took part in the three-day simulation, including Total experts, partners and the Angolan authorities
Total’s employee participating in Lula exercise
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Crisis centers were set up in France and Angola for the duration of the exercise and put in direct contact with the Angolan authorities
Technologies used during Lula exercise
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Aerial surveys, satellite imagery, drifters and spill modeling tools: several techniques and technologies were used to assess the size of the spill and how it was developing so we could adapt our response accordingly
Observation balloon during Lula exercise
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For example, with the approval of the authorities, an observation balloon fitted with visible-light and infrared cameras was deployed to monitor the small spill day and night
Total’s employee participating in Lula exercise
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Our experts at sea supervising the installation of a subsea dispersant injection system, which had been shipped from Norway to the Angolan base
Supervising the control of the well during Lula exercise
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Once installed 1,000 meters underwater, the injection system secured surface operations to regain control of the well and clean up the spill, while reducing the environmental impact
Confinement and removal operations during Lula’s exercise
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At the same time, the oil spill response plan provided for oil confinement and removal operations at the water's surface using ships, booms and pumps
Dispersant treatment during Lula’s exercise
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The areas with the highest concentration of oil at the surface were also treated with dispersants, which are sprayed onto the oil slick with precision to speed up the natural degradation process
Total’s employee participating in Lula exercise
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Throughout the operations, physical and chemical analyses were regularly carried out to ensure the safety of participating staff
Lula’s exercise
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Lula was a success, enabling Total to improve its offshore spill response capabilities and share its findings with the rest of the oil industry