SWRP: Newsletter #2, December 2011 The Subsea Well Response Project: An interim update on our progress By Keith Lewis, project manager
Since our launch in May this year, the Subsea Well Response Project has been working to enhance the industry’s capabilities to respond to subsea well incidents around the world. The nine oil and gas companies behind SWRP are now pleased to announce that we have taken the first steps towards construction of globally deployable subsea well capping equipment. We are preparing to construct four capping stacks which will be capable of handling a variety of scenarios. At the same time, we are developing our plans for rapid deployment of hardware for the subsea application of dispersant at the wellhead. Studies have indicated that this part of capping operations is integral to safe surface working conditions. In Q1 2012 we expect to award contracts for the delivery of both capping and dispersant equipment by early 2013. We are now working on structures and terms to make the equipment available to other industry participants from that date. SWRP is looking into storing the equipment at separate locations in South America, Europe, Africa and Australasia. From there, it can be transported by sea or air to possible incidents around the world. We’re looking forward to growing our team from 35 to 60 people to support the project into 2012 and beyond. Our next phase of activities will include:
Next steps in 2012 Early 2012 - Award contracts for construction of capping and dispersant equipment - Finalise structures and terms for access by other industry participants Throughout 2012 - Undertake further studies into possible international storage locations and deployment options - Continue actively to seek input from regulators, NOIAs and other key stakeholders Early 2013 - First delivery of capping and dispersant toolboxes - Capping and dispersant equipment made available for use across the industry
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Finalising contracts for the construction of equipment
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Determining commercial structures for the international deployment of the equipment
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Identifying precise locations around the world where capping and dispersant equipment can be stored and maintained
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Engaging further with the industry and explaining how companies can participate
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Preparing operational readiness and logistics
By bringing together our industry’s top experts, along with regulators, we have optimised the conditions to enhance international subsea well incident response capabilities. We’ll be in touch again soon with an update on the equipment and our plans to make it available for other industry participants in the unlikely event of a subsea well incident. In the meantime, the whole team at SWRP wishes you a very happy holiday season and a safe, successful 2012!