Accidents and Emergency Response in the Arctic Sea

Abstract

Abstract Exploration and production of oil and gas in the Arctic Sea is challenging due to the harsh weather conditions, remote location and lack of infrastructure. This can lead to insufficient handling of accidents with respect to emergency response. One way to face this challenge is to systematically analyse and learn from past accidents in the Arctic Sea in order to improve emergency preparedness and response. The analysis of past accidents is based on structuring of emergency preparedness and categorization of accidents as described in the NORSOK Z-013 standard, and also in regulations. Emergency preparedness is structured in five phases and accidents are categorized in a list of Defined Situations of Hazard and Accident (DSHA). One important finding from the analysis of past accidents is the impediment of the emergency operations due to harsh weather conditions of the Arctic Sea. This calls for due consideration of the adequacy of the emergency operations and their effectiveness in the harsh and challenging environment of the Arctic Sea in future operations. For efficient and successful emergency operations, information about meteorological data, increases situational awareness, improved emergency preparedness tools, improved electronic navigation charts and status to/from fairway objects will be required. A systematic analysis of past accidents in the Arctic Sea in order to provide a knowledge base with respect to emergency preparedness and response, focusing on the various phases and types of accidents, has not been conducted previously. This knowledge base should be continuously updated and shared by all actors taking part in oil and gas exploration and development in the Arctic Sea.