Bahiagás coordinates a simulation of the pipeline connecting the Camaçari Industrial Complex to the Port of Aratu

Bahiagás coordinated the Operational Drill of the Pipeline System linking the Camaçari Industrial Complex to the Port of Aratu and the Mataripe Refinery, which took place on December 2. Held annually and rotated among the participating companies — Bahiagás, Braskem, Unigel, Dow, Transpetro, and Bayer — the drill focused on testing, improving, and integrating the actions of the Pipeline System Contingency Plan (PCD), strengthening team preparedness for emergencies.

Classified as Level III, the exercise mobilized operational and logistical resources and involved companies, public authorities, and local communities.

With 27 pipelines dedicated to transporting chemical, flammable, and toxic products, and approximately 37 kilometers in length, including branch lines, the pipeline system requires continuous monitoring and immediate response capability from the responsible teams.

“The preparation for the drill involved months of coordination among the company’s internal departments, the PCD committees, and various external agencies, including Civil Defense, the Fire Department, Highway Police, Via Bahia Norte, and companies located around the simulated area,” explained José Carlos Gallindo Junior, head of Bahiagás’ Safety, Environment, and Health Management (Gesem).

The exercise was based on the hypothesis of a significant natural gas leak caused by the accidental rupture of a 4-inch pipeline due to third-party interference. The incident simulated a direct risk to the Vila Esperança community in Candeias. The situation would have been identified after an employee from a neighboring company spotted a jet of fire forming along the pipeline corridor.

“These exercises make it possible to align procedures, train teams, and minimize the risk of panic and disorder in a real situation. They also test communication systems and the availability of resources предусмотрed in the PCD,” said Antônio Raimundo Dantas, coordinator of Gesem/Bahiagás.

The Pipeline System Operational Drill 000 mobilized all available operational and logistical resources and tested integration among companies, public agencies, and communities. This year, the exercise also included the active participation of companies located near the proposed scenario.

“It is gratifying to see everyone’s commitment, with each party bringing resources and support to resolve the incident as quickly and safely as possible,” said Isa Paula, shift supervisor at Braskem.

Larissa Souza, a resident of the Vila Esperança community, said she felt safe during the procedure: “We were caught by surprise, but we followed all the instructions. It was a relief to know it wasn’t real, and at the same time, reassuring to see that there are professionals prepared to deal with these situations.”

The Candeias Civil Defense also recognized the drill. According to technical coordinator Ademar Oliveira, Bahiagás’ performance was exemplary. “The company carried out a very well-executed operation, providing essential support to the Vila Esperança community. This type of action is essential to prepare everyone for potential emergencies,” he said.

Source: Jornal de Camaçari

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