State Supervision of the Mines (SSM) has concluded that there are no major shortfalls in the drilling safety processes and procedures that have been put in place by the operators.
However, there is room for improvement in the areas of prevention and emergency response capability. These findings have been summarised by the Inspector General of Mines, Jan de Jong, in a letter to the Minister of Economic Affairs.
Responding to the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) incident, SSM reviewed the drilling practises and procedures of all operators. Furthermore, SSM concluded that the drilling operations in the GOM are of a different nature compared to the activities in the Dutch sector of the North Sea. The water depth in the offshore Dutch sector is no more than 50 metres while the depth at the location of the Macondo well drilled by the Deepwater Horizon, was 1500 metres. In addition, hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Dutch offshore sector do not contain high pressures.
Improvements
The following measures will be implemented:
- Commencement of a 'second opinion' review process for drilling programmes for smaller operators. These reviews are currently not standard procedure for these operators.
- Improving the emergency response capabilities after a calamity has occurred. This could entail mobilising equipment to control a blow out or to secure access to a drilling rig in the event that a relief well has to be drilled.
- Currently, operators are improving their emergency response plans, which will be audited by SSM upon completion.
Minister Van der Hoeven was pleased with the announced measures. "Even though the situation in the Dutch sector is completely different from the Gulf of Mexico, one cannot totally eliminate calamities. Every improvement that can be made to enhance safety is worthwhile. It is good to see full participation of the sector in this important process which SSM continues to supervise stringently", concludes the Minister.
More information:
