Offshore staff

OSLO, Norway – Equinor and Transocean will have to undertake various improvement measures following a review of managed pressure drilling operations involving the semisubmersible Songa Equinox on the Troll oil province in the North Sea.

The Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) conducted an audit to verify that the two companies, along with Enhanced Drilling and other drilling and well service providers, were planning and executing managed pressure drilling (MPD) operations using the Controlled Mud Level (CML) drilling method in compliance with regulations and defined standards.

This included acquisition, processing, and use of data from MPD operations for continuous improvement and risk reduction.

The audit identified deficient functionality for drawing off gas volumes that may ascend return lines in the CML system. It also highlighted unclear requirements for certified well control competence in respect of individual roles.

Equinor and Transocean must respond by Oct. 25 on how they plan to address these issues.

10/01/2018