This paper describes the environmental conditions, exploratory drilling experiences, types of monitoring programs and defense systems, and Minerals Management Service (MMS) regulations for floating drilling systems operating in the Arctic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. The MMS's regulatory requirements for drilling unit and wellbore safety, how the industry has addressed these requirements, and specific information and performance requirements to obtain approval to performance requirements to obtain approval to operate during periods when sea ice and severe weather conditions could be present are emphasized. The effectiveness of contingency plans, including shutdown criteria, and ice monitoring and management programs proposed by operators and previous experience for floating drilling units used in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas are also discussed.
Introduction
The U.S. Arctic offshore, with the exception of the shallow-water Endicott Development Project northeast of Prudhoe Bay, is in an exploratory phase of hydrocarbon development. This is phase of hydrocarbon development. This is especially true for the vast Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) area in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, where only 29 wells have been drilled to date on 26 leases. The OCS comprises those submerged lands beyond 3 miles (4.8 km) from the coastline subject to U.S. jurisdiction and control. There are currently over 800 active OCS leases in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, which are administered by the Alaska OCS Region of the Minerals Management Service (MMS), the Federal agency within the Department of the Interior responsible for regulating oil and gas activities on the OCS.
Exploratory drilling continues at a steady pace in the U.S. Arctic offshore, averaging 2 to 3 wells per year. while there is currently no production per year. while there is currently no production from the Arctic OCS, several significant discoveries have been announced, including the Seal/Northstar Prospect and the Hammerhead Prospect. Prospect.
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