Director Brian Salerno Sworn in at BSEE
Brian Salerno was sworn in on August 26 as the Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. Salerno retired as a Vice Admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard in 2012, after more than 36 years of active duty service. He is the third Director in BSEE's history, following James Watson and Michael Bromwich. He stated to employees that, "It is an honor and a privilege to join you today at BSEE. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as the BSEE Director and work alongside you in your efforts to ensure safe, secure, and environmentally sound offshore operations." bsee.gov
Offshore Vessel Operators Suffer As Gulf Oil Output Sags
As seen in the August edition of MarineNews, Susan Buchanan updates readers on the GOM oil production situation. BP's gushing well was capped more than a year ago but life is hardly back to normal in the U.S. Gulf--where rigs and vessels remain underutilized. At least ten rigs have moved overseas since last summer. Gulf oil production is below pre-spill levels and won't recover anytime soon, analysts say. Issuance of drilling permits picked up this spring as operators agreed to use oil-containment systems but permitting lags earlier rates.
4th Annual Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference
Wednesday April 27, Industry Development Day there will be reports and discussion about current research on MHK advancement from Sandia National Laboratories, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; and the Department of Energy. There will also be a workshop on Government Advocacy. Thursday April 28 features industry updates from CEOs and keynotes from Paul O'Brien of Scottish Development International; Michael Bromwich, Director, BOEMRE; John Wellinghof, Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; and William Tayler, Director Shore Energy, Office of the Deputy Asst. Secretary of Navy (Energy). The day concludes with status reports from the International Energy Agency Ocean Energy Systems Implementing Agreement updates from participating countries.
Offshore Update: Waiting on Feds to Issue Permits
Marine companies along the Gulf of Mexico have seen little new business since the offshore drilling moratorium was lifted in early October as oil producers apply for permits and decide how to navigate costly safety regulations. At Bollinger Shipyards, Inc., one of the top U.S. boat builders, Chief Executive Officer Boysie Bollinger, said “we're waiting for BOEM to start issuing offshore drilling permits, and no one has any idea when that will be.” He wonders if the government knows when more permits will be released.
Drilling Regulator Wants Higher Pay for Inspectors
According to a report from the Associated Press, The head of the U.S. agency responsible for inspecting offshore oil rigs said he wants to raise salaries and hire retired industry engineers to boost the competency of a staff that has been blamed for missing key problems with BP's failed drilling operation in the Gulf. Michael Bromwich, director of the Bureau of Oceans Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, told The Associated Press that the government's reputation for lower wages could make hiring the most talented people more difficult. (Source: The Associated Press)
