Examining the Future of Offshore Exploration: Lessons from Macondo and Efforts to Close the Gaps
In the wake of the Macondo accident and spill, both government and industry are reviewing offshore drilling in the broad U.S. production portfolio, while reassessing specific applicable regulations, standards, training and protocols, available technologies and response capabilities to both design and better manage drilling operations as well as prevent, contain, and capture oil spills.
While Congress and the Administration contemplate additional legislative and regulatory safeguards, as well as liability and performance issues, the oil and gas industry has been active in developing and applying technology to aid in the early intervention of problem wells, revising “best practices” protocols, and enhancing spill response capabilities.
This session provided an overview of exploration and production in the U.S. and international offshore, the technology challenges of drilling in the offshore, particularly the deep and ultradeep water, and then looked at the industry efforts to incorporate lessons learned from the accident by formation of the Joint Industry Task Force and the creation of the Marine Well Containment Company.
Speakers:
Development of Offshore Resources: When is the Moratorium Really Over?
Frank A. Verrastro, Senior Vice President and Director, Energy and National Security Program
Drilling Offshore – Technologies, Equipment, Best Practices
Charlie Williams, Chief Scientist, Well Engineering and Production Technology, Shell
Recommendations and Activity from the Joint Industry Task Force
Albert L. Modiano, Governing Board Member, Joint Industry Task Force and President, US Oil and Gas Association
Recommendations and Activity of the Marine Well Containment Company
Lloyd Guillory, Marine Well Containment System Project Manager, ExxonMobil Development Company
