Drilling in coastal marine environments has been of
continued debate since the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010. Drilling in
locations that aren't readily accessible increases the risk and cost associated
with the operation. Will stringent environmental and safety regulations allow
us to safely operate deep-water drilling operations? And is the attempt to pursue arctic offshore
drilling operations a feasible endeavor that could counter-balance future well
performance in other geographic locations?
The Arctic Challenge
Arctic offshore drilling operations add severe climatic
variables that complicate the integrity of drilling operations. The remote
location of the well lacks any supporting infrastructure. Seasonal variations
of ice volume affect wave patterns. Mobility and accumulation of seasonal and
multi-year ice masses endangers the stability of drilling platforms, while
scouring coastal marine beds and complicating the integrity of pipelines and
other subsea equipment. While the environment seems to oppose the concept,
artic offshore engineers work methodically to harness the potential resources.
The Shell Experience
After gaining a permit to pursue artic offshore developments
in Alaska's Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, the oil and gas giant Royal Dutch Shell
is taking a hiatus. While Shell is
experienced with working in the rigorous and challenging arctic environments,
they were plagued by equipment failures and safety violations during the 2012
drilling season. The biggest issues that Shell faced last year were due to the loss
of control of a drill ship and conical drill rig.
- July 2012, Shell's drill ship, Noble Discoverer,
drifted out of control near Dutch Harbor.
- December 2012, On New Year's Eve the Conical
Drill Rig, Kulluk, was left afloat and it grounded off Sitkalidak Island.
While both drilling rigs were left in need of serious
repair, many lessons were learned from Shell's first season in Alaska's arctic
offshore environment. They need to re-evaluate the integrity of marine
transport and the associated spill response systems. Safety and pollution
violations need to be rectified while satisfying future regulations. Shell has
recognized the obstacles, but remains optimistic that they will pursue what has
been deemed a key component of the 'all-of-the-above' energy strategy
envisioned for America's energy independence.
Resources:
Shell
to suspend Arctic offshore drilling program over safety fears
Arctic
Conditions Challenge Offshore Projects
Shell's
Arctic Drilling Troubles Demonstrated Company Unprepared For Offshore Program,
Says Report
Salazar
Releases Interior Review of Shell Arctic Offshore Drilling
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Re: <b>Arctic Offshore Feasibility</b>
