News Cuttings

IADC president, European Commissioner discuss offshore safety

European Commissioner for Energy Günther Oettinger hosted a luncheon on 18 July in Houston to discuss offshore safety leadership across the globe where oil and gas companies operate. IADC was among a select group of leaders in the offshore oil and gas industry in attendance.

The Commissioner initiated a conversation focused on how industry can ensure the highest levels of safety for their workforce, with emphasis on the success of regulations drafted post-Macondo. The resulting conversation centered on how best to reassure the public that the safety lessons learned are visibly embedded everywhere companies operate.

“We are pleased that the Commissioner recognized the important role IADC plays in representing the drilling community.  We appreciated the opportunity to join an esteemed group of industry representatives to discuss improving industry standards.  At its very core, IADC is about enhancing operational integrity and championing better regulation to support the mission of catalyzing improved performance for the whole of the industry,” said Stephen Colville, IADC president and CEO.

“IADC supports the Commission’s efforts toward improving standards for the industry. On behalf of our members, we look forward to building collaborative relationships with regulators around the world on regulations that are fair, transparent and efficient,” he continued.

IADC UBO/MPD Committee urging more industry participation

Members of the IADC UBO/MPD Committee represent a diverse background of specialties and interests. Committee members recently submitted to API a recommended practices for MPD operations. The group is also working on a recommended practice for pressured mudcaps and best practices for training in MPD.

Weatherford’s Brian Grayson, who serves as chairman of the Outreach Subcommittee, encourages more participation. “The committee achieves a lot, but it’s only because we have the industry and companies and individuals who participate. The more people who participate in our efforts, the more that companies and the industry will gain. Active participation keeps the benefits coming out of the committee.”

Click here to watch an exclusive video interview with Brian Grayson, chairman of the UBO/MPD Outreach Subcommittee.

IADC developing Mud Pump record book

IADC is updating several checklist publications to provide a more user-friendly experience. The following checklists will be available for purchase in their new format by September:

• IADC Weekly Safety Meeting Report Form;

• IADC Engine Report Form;

• IADC Safety Topic and Record Book;

• IADC Drilling Inspection Checklist.

“IADC members have, over time, submitted input on how each of these checklists could be tweaked to provide a more fluid user experience,” said Loretta Krolczyk, IADC assistant director, publication sales. “The newly updated checklists will, for instance, all be printed in a standard legal size and will include additional space for written comments.”

Additionally, IADC is developing the Mud Pump Record Book as a resource for members. The book will be available for purchase in September through IADC’s website.

“As more members have expressed interest, IADC plans to have a Mud Pump Record Book that can be used/modified to member specific mud pumps and associated equipment,” said Rhett Winter, IADC director, onshore operations.

“Recording pump maintenance and hours on items such as pistons, liners, oil, valves and seats makes for a safer work environment, helps prevent downtime and is more cost effective.”

Click here to view details about the revised IADC checklists and other books.

IADC hosts European operations forum meeting

On 4 July, IADC hosted an European Operations Forum joint contractor/regulator meeting in Brussels. A total of 41 representatives from the EU Offshore Authorities Group, IADC, EU Commission and its contractor members attended the meeting, which was chaired by Jens Hoffmark, IADC regional vice president, European operations.

A dozen of the drilling contractors in attendance provided individual overviews of their activities and a list of issues they’ve encountered in executing drilling contract work in the EU region.  Representatives who made presentations at the event were from Archer, KCA Deutag, Maersk Drilling, PR Marriott Drilling, Noble Drilling, Ensco, North Atlantic Drilling, Odfjell Drilling, Rowan and Transocean.

The presentations produced common themes that formed the basis for discussion between IADC members and regulators. Topics included harmonization of regulation across the EU, hiring and training of staff, directives versus regulations, consistency in training requirements and tracking and compliance with regulations.

The group then discussed the EU Offshore Safety Directive, which was implemented in late July 2013, detailing specific areas of change for the offshore drilling industry.

During the discussion, Eero Ailio, EU Commission deputy head of unit, DG Energy, noted that strong opposition from the industry swayed their decision to adopt the rules as a directive instead of as a regulation.

The UK HSE and the Danish Energy Agency each also presented data from their inspection reports.

Attendees agreed to continue the dialog through future meetings.

The IADC Training Committee recently transitioned to the Workforce Development Committee representing a broadened work scope. In an exclusive video, new committee chairman Victor Fleming of Rowan discusses the group’s goals and ways to become move involved. Click here to watch the video.