Shell Arctic Vessels, Capping Stack Inspected

Shell Oil Co. marine vessels Noble Discoverer and the semisubmersible drilling unit Transocean Polar Pioneer were inspected by two Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) personnel in Dutch Harbor, Alaska July 7-12, BSEE announced.

BSEE said its inspectors were on board the vessels to review drilling equipment, assess overall readiness and test key safety devices, also verifying BOEM lease stipulations, environmental mitigation measures and air quality equipment, as well as Environmental Protection Agency National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirements.

Also inspected was the capping stack onboard ice management vessel Fennica, which received hull damage while departing Dutch Harbor on July 3. BSEE personnel verified the capping stack was not damaged during the incident, though Fennica’s damage requires repairs in drydock in Portland, Ore.

According to BSEE, the inspections are part of its commitment to safe and responsible offshore energy exploration and development. If drilling operations are permitted and begin, BSEE said its inspectors will be deployed on drilling rigs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing continuous oversight and monitoring once drilling operations commence.