Salazar Visits GOM Rigs, Observes Inspections & Safety
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar visited three offshore drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico July 28, where he received updates on the improved inspection process and additional safety requirements for blowout preventers and well construction. “We are quickly and thoughtfully implementing safety reforms for offshore energy operations to ensure workers, communities, and the environment are protected as the nation develops its energy supplies,” said Salazar. “Today, we saw production activities and shallow water drilling operations that are implementing the new standards as they continue their operations. The Secretary was accompanied by Deputy Secretary David Hayes, Director of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEM) Michael R.
Photo: USS Independence Builder’s Sea Trials
The Navy's first trimaran Littoral Combat Ship, the future USS Independence (LCS 2), during Builder's Sea Trials in the Gulf of Mexico July 2009.
Dennis is No Menace in GOM
Hurricane Dennis, a 140 MPH hurricane roared through the eastern part of the Gulf of Mexico July 8-9 but caused little damage to oil platforms, drill rigs or to the shipyards in its path. In contrast, the 140 MPH Hurricane Ivan that traveled through the same waters last fall, caused extensive damage to platforms, rigs and especially to underwater pipelines. “It caused all of the worry, but resulted in none of the work of Ivan,” commented Dr. Joe Orgeron, chief technology officer for Montco Offshore,Inc a leading operator of lift boats. Only one platform appeared to be damaged by Dennis’ winds. That was BP’s Thunder Horse platform located in Mississippi Canyon Block 778, 150 miles southeast of New Orleans.
