Shell, ConocoPhillips, Schlumberger, Halliburton & Baker Hughes Focus on Well Control in the Gulf of Mexico
(PRWEB UK) 29 January 2014 -- Well control, or blow-out prevention, is both a complex and critical aspect of any drilling program in the Gulf of Mexico. A robust well control program ensures the safety of the workforce, the reliability of equipment and protects the environment from the release of hydrocarbons.
However, this is a rapidly developing discipline with multiple industry programs, joint industry partnerships and developments underway. As a result, it’s crucial that all stakeholders involved in Gulf of Mexico drilling operations are aware of the latest developments associated with well control and are implementing them in their programs.
Since the Macondo disaster, the various criteria that collectively ensure well control have been the highest possible priority for operators, drilling contractors and original equipment manufacturers alike.
This was also apparent in the release of the BSEE’s Final Drilling Safety Rule in August 2012, which sought to significantly improve drilling safety by strengthening requirements for safety equipment, well control systems, and blowout prevention practices in offshore oil and gas operations.
Since Macondo, the regulatory landscape has been constantly evolving and more updates to 20 CRF 250 are expected, namely with the implementation of API’s Standard 53 and developments to Best Available and Safest Technologies. (BAST)
These developments are essential for the future of the industry given the resurgence of the Gulf of Mexico as a global hotspot for oil and gas exploration and production. Due mainly to improvements in seismic technologies and significant new plays being identified in the pre-salt Lower Tertiary Layer, it is estimated that this market contains an estimated 15 billion barrels of oil, valued at approximately $1.5 trillion based on current prices.
Since the publication of the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP) Recommendations for Enhancements to Well Control Training, Examination & Certification Report in 2012, there has also been an increasing emphasis on the non-technical skills which form a critical part of any well control program. As such, the development of well control competencies, human factors, risk identification and planning are as much a focus for operators and drilling contractors as the development of new technologies.
In order for industry to capitalize on this significant opportunity compliantly and safely, it is now more important than ever before to share information on the key non-technical criteria that make up effective well control processes.
The Offshore Well Control Conference, Gulf of Mexico (OWC 2014) will ensure executive level decision makers, subject matter experts and senior drilling & HSEQ managers intimately involved in well control have a platform to share information across the entire industry. Key stakeholders including Shell, ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Oceaneering and Boots & Coots are already confirmed to take part in this industry forum on May 28 – 29 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Houston. Up to 200 leading industry figures will gather for two days of presentations, panel discussions and networking to share original content and experience. With more than 25 expert speakers sharing analysis, case studies and lessons learnt, this meeting comes at a critical time.
Onsite, as well as the unique networking opportunity, there will also be a Technology Showcase Hall, demonstrating best in class well control technologies and services. This will enable delegates to widen the current pool of service providers to ensure they have the right tools available.
This conference is a must attend event in 2014 for any organization involved in drilling activity in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Contact: James Taylor, Director, Offshore Network. Email: jtaylor(at)offsnet(dot)com
Tommy Angell, Offshore Network LTD., http://interventioneu.offsnetevents.com/, +44 203 411 9184, [email protected]
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