Safety Alert
Safety Alert 243 - Unplanned Riser Disconnect Results in Spill
Safety Alert 243 - Unplanned Riser Disconnect Results in Spill
- BSEE
- Safety Alert
- BSEE Safety Alert 243
- Hydrocarbon ReleaseMarine OperationsProcess Safety
- Loss of containmentLoss of station keeping
- DrillingDynamic positioning
- Operating and work procedures
- Upstream oil and gas
- Marine watersVessel
Summary
A dynamically positioned semi-submersible lost station during worsening currents and storm conditions, prompting a riser disconnect and release of 710 barrels of synthetic mud into the Gulf of Mexico. The alert identifies unsuitable rig selection and inadequate procedures, recommending site-specific disconnect planning and review of storm-related criteria and T-time estimates.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Loss of station keeping; drive-off; drift-off.
Classifications: Drilling; well drilling.
Classifications: Dynamic positioning; DP; DP operations.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Marine waters.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
BSEE Safety Alert 243. Themes: hydrocarbon release, marine operations, process safety.