Operating requirements for and historical operations of Arctic offshore drilling systems in the United States

Abstract

The MMS regulatory program has been designed to ensure safe, pollution-free operations and adequate structural integrity of all drilling units proposed for use under the dynamic environmental conditions of the Arctic OCS. The COCP's have been developed and implemented to ensure the continued safety of operations under prevailing weather and ice conditions. The level of forecasting, ice monitoring, communications, ice management, and drilling-unit performance monitoring depend on the type and location of the proposed operations. These efforts are analyzed by the MMS on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all relevant information available about the drilling unit and the anticipated environmental conditions. All drilling units used for exploration drilling in the U.S. Arctic have operated safely and effectively under dynamic and challenging conditions. The expanding information base, the experience gained, the emphasis on safety, and a conservative approach to conducting operations have all contributed to the conduct of safe pollution-free operations in the harsh and challenging frontier of the U.S. Arctic OCS waters.