MMS issues guidance for jackups during hurricane season

Offshore staff

NEW ORLEANS -- MMS has issued a Notice to Lessees and Operators (NTL), NTL No. 2009-G10, for guidance on preparing an application to drill in the Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season. This supersedes NTL No. 2008-G10.

The application must demonstrate that the jackup drilling rig is capable of performing at the proposed location. MMS will use the recommendations in API'sRecommended Practice 95J, Gulf of Mexico Jackup Operations for Hurricane Season – Interim Recommendations, First Edition (API RP 95J), to guide its review and evaluation. Failure to follow the recommendations may delay the approval of an APD or result in disapproval, MMS says.

NTL No. 2009-G10 covers all jackup rigs that will be used to drill, complete, or workover a well under an APD or APM. The jackup information required for permitting a well during hurricane season relates primarily to foundational issues addressed in the pre-loading process and determination of the appropriate air gap for a specific well location. Information regarding procedures to secure and protect wells in open water locations when the rig is secured prior to hurricane evacuations is also required.

For the jackup assessment checksheet, please visithttp://www.mms.gov/tarprojects/593.htm

05/18/2009