The Laminaria-2 well, and other wells connected in the production system, were shut in shortly after the leak was noticed on January 18, according to a company statement.

Woodside said production from the adjacent Corallina field, which averaged 18,000 barrels a day, was unaffected.

“The initial estimate put the size of the leak at about 50 cubic metres (300 barrels), although that may vary depending on the outcome of modeling,” said a company statement.

“Laminaria oil is very light, and rapidly evaporates from the sea surface. A surface inspection two days later concluded the oil had already evaporated from the area.” Government authorities were notified immediately.

“This incident is unrelated to a small leak (about 7 cubic metres) in October 2004 from the Laminaria-5 well, which also remains shut in. Repairs to the Laminaria-5 well, which produces about 3000 barrels a day, are expected to be made in the second quarter of 2005.

The Laminaria-8 well, which had been producing about 6000 barrels a day and was shut in as a precaution on 18 January, will only be brought back on line when investigative work determines it is safe to do so. This is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

Woodside holds a 44.9% interest in the Laminaria field with new partner Paladin Oil & Gas (Australia) holding 32.6% and Shell Development (Australia) holding 22.5%.