There are two perspectives that can be taken on the issue, according to Alex Robak, an analyst at global risk intelligence firm Dryad Global.
“From one perspective, you can see the general absence of risk; from that perspective, we can easily say that the UK’s North Sea or Canada’s Nova Scotia continental shelf is the safest region for offshore oil and gas operations at this time.” Robak told Rigzone.
“From an alternative perspective, we can look at regions where there is a constant presence of risk, but there is an absence of direct threats or incidents. This perspective would point to the Mediterranean Sea or West Africa as the safest region at this time for offshore oil and gas production,” he added.
Just looking at the general absence of risk would lead one to conclude that Canada or the United Kingdom are the safest regions in the world for offshore oil and gas, Robak noted.
“Canada’s offshore industry accounts for approximately one million barrels per day, and its geographic location along the Nova Scotia continental shelf has been an advantage as there is little or no risk to its continued operation in the day to day,” Robak said. said
“The UK’s offshore facilities in the North Sea are equally well positioned geographically. In addition, both countries have strict regulatory frameworks to protect offshore oil platforms from potential security threats that may arise,” he added Robak.
The Dryad Global analyst emphasized that, from the “second perspective,” Dryad “can point to West Africa as a region that would be attributed a moderate risk factor.”
“However, as there has been a general decline in incidents of hacking and armed robbery in recent years, it appears that this risk has not translated into any significant threat to day-to-day operations in day,” he said.
“This is a result of regional governments and international organizations taking significant steps to combat maritime crime through military means and intelligence sharing,” Robak added.
“Alternatively, the Mediterranean Sea is a region where geopolitical instability has created an environment with a moderate level of risk as a result of the ongoing crisis in Libya. This conflict has continuously threatened Europe’s oil supply over the past year. Despite this, there are very few active threats to offshore oil rig operations in a significant way,” Robak continued.
When asked where the safest offshore region for oil and gas is right now, Lars Patersen, the regional medical director of International SOS, who describes himself as a pioneer and leader in risk management for international health and safety, said: “Norway has the best oversight. regulatory system in the global offshore space.”
“Safety considerations in offshore regions for oil and gas workers also depend on the age and quality of offshore facilities (well defined in Norwegian regulations), the safety culture on board (depending on of the company) and the health of offshore workers”. Patersen told Rigzone.
In September 2022, Rigzone analyzed the most dangerous offshore region for oil and gas. To view this article, click here. To contact the author, please send an email andreas.exarcheas@rigzone.com
