Drilling Unit Approval and Sea Ice, Alaska OCS

by R. Yilmaz Kuranel, Minerals Management Service -, Alaska, Regional Field Office, Anchorage, AK, USA,
Rishi Tyagi, Minerals Management Service -, Alaska, Regional Field Office, Anchorage, AK, USA,
Jeff Walker, Minerals Management Service -, Alaska, Regional Field Office, Anchorage, AK, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Cold Regions Engineering

Abstract:

This paper describes types of ice conditions that have been, or could be, encountered while conducting Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) operations. The types of ice monitoring programs, defense systems, and alert procedures are reviewed. The concerns that Minerals Management Service (MMS) has for drilling unit safety, how the industry has addressed these concerns, and the existing regulatory requirements to obtain approval to operate during periods when sea ice could be present are presented. Shutdown criteria and ice monitoring and management programs proposed by operators and used in the Bering and Beaufort Seas for drill ships, semisubmersibles, and other novel drilling units are discussed.

Subject Headings: Sea ice | Ice | Drilling | Wells (oil and gas) | Safety | Offshore drilling | Ships | Alaska | United States | Beaufort Sea

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