Environmental Impacts in the Main Stages of offshore oil exploration in Angola

Abstract

This study addresses and analyzes the environmental impacts associated with the main stages of offshore oil exploration in Angola, ranging from seismic exploration, drilling, and extraction to platform transportation and decommissioning. Therefore, each of these phases of the process involves several significant environmental risks. Intense sound waves from exploration can affect marine fauna, while drilling and production generate contaminants that pollute soil and water. Furthermore, there are emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), as well as other gases such as ozone (O₃) and fluorinated compounds (HFCs, PFCs, and SF₆). Transportation by ship or pipeline carries constant risks of leaks and oil spills, and improper decommissioning can cause future contamination. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the environmental impacts generated by the main stages of offshore oil exploration in Angola, identifying the sources of pollution and ecological risks, the prevention and mitigation measures adopted by companies, and proposing strategies that reconcile economic exploration with environmental preservation and community well-being, aligning them with sustainable development objectives. The study, qualitative in nature and descriptive-exploratory in nature, is based on a literature review that highlights the need for good environmental practices, prevention, and mitigation. It concludes that Angolan environmental legislation must be strengthened with instruments such as zoning and territorial restrictions, specific licensing, environmental management plans, waste control, and compatibility with international conventions (Marpol, Espoo, Biodiversity, and the London Protocol). It also highlights SONANGOL's role in implementing sustainable policies and technologies, equipment modernization, personnel training, and investments in renewable energy and decarbonization. These measures aim to balance economic development with marine conservation and align the oil sector with the principles of sustainable development.