Technological challenges and possible solutions for drilling operations in the Great Barents region

Abstract

The Barents Sea region is thought to play a key role in Russian and Norwegian oil and gas field development and hydrocarbon resources production. Both countries are moving petroleum activities into the Barents Sea Area due to the high potential of hydrocarbon occurrence. The relationship between Russia and Norway in the energy sphere has been peaceful and cooperative. Moreover, new perspectives for oil and gas explorations have been opened, since the signing of the agreement on a delimitation line in the Barents Sea between the two countries in 2011. Starting with a description of the metocean conditions of the Barents Sea, the thesis will discuss the challenges for development of potential hydrocarbon fields in the Barents Sea Area. Main accent in the presented Master thesis will be placed on a review of the technological challenges for drilling operations, by providing a comparison of different International Safety Standards and Technical Regulations relevant for the Arctic region, in particular, for the Barents Sea Area including follows: • American Petroleum Institute (API); • International Organization for Standardization (ISO); • Norsk Sokkels Konkurranseposisjon (NORSOK); • Federal Agency on Technical Regulating and Metrology (Russian Federation); • Other relevant standards. As well, risky scenarios during drilling operations in the Barents Sea will be analyzed to ensure well control and integrity and environmental safety. Design according to different standards will be compared. Based on a review of possible technical solutions for drilling operations in the Barents Sea Area, conclusions regarding using different Safety Standards and Technical Regulations will finally be given.