International Activities

Provide the BSEE Alaska Region with a comprehensive review and gap analysis of current United States (U.S.), State of Alaska and
international regulations, standards, and related specifications and technical reports for offshore hydrocarbon carrying pipelines in
Arctic conditions incorporating the new Federal Arctic Rule and including, but not limited to, American Petroleum Institute (API)
documents. Report on the state of the art and emerging technology of offshore hydrocarbon carrying pipelines in Arctic conditions

Meta study of how other U.S. regulatory agencies and other countries, including but not limited to the countries that constitute the International Regulator Forum (IRF), use risk data in fulfilling their oversight activities

The BSEE is seeking expert assistance to better inform BSEE decision-makers about current and future technical, regulatory and programmatic assistance programs and safety and environmental concerns worthy of BSEE engagement and interaction. The objective is to find technical, regulatory, and policy parallels in other countries to better inform BSEE management about how to improve BSEE'S own regulatory policies and structures to better regulate the industry.

During the 1980s the probability of impact by an extreme ice feature, or EIF, that would generate extreme loads on a production platform in the Southern Beaufort Sea, was identified as a key design criterion. In recent years the effects of climate change on the arctic climate and ice cover has received increasing attention. The changing climate already appears to be contributing to the deterioration of the ice shelves of the western Arctic Islands with the increased calving of ice islands (II).

In the offshore and shipping industry, extreme wave events have led to extensive damage and destruction of offshore structures. Hurricanes Ivan, Rita, Katrina, Gustav and Ike that hit the Gulf of Mexico and severe storm events experienced in the North Sea illustrate the importance of extreme wave design for all types of offshore structures. As the U.S. grows increasingly dependent on the steady supply of energy from federal offshore oil and gas reserves, BOEMRE remains attentive to new technologies that safeguard offshore energy facilities, their personnel, and the environment.

This research project will assess the feasibility of a marine oil spill countermeasure strategy based on the stimulation of oil-mineral aggregate (OMA) formation. Experiments will be conducted on both laboratory and wave tank systems under controlled conditions to evaluate its potential effectiveness for the treatment of oil spills from ships, facilities or pipelines. Conceptual mathematical models will be developed from the data to identify the fundamental processes affecting operational effectiveness as a means to provide guidance for field operations.

This research studied hydrogen damage susceptibility (e.g., cracking and pitting) of steel pipe due to the effect on magnetism in combination with cathodic protection. This recent phase (Phase III) of research built on findings made during Phase I that ended in December 2005 (TAP Study 487) and Phase II that ended in February 2007 (TAP Study 522).

The Joint Industry Project (JIP) conducted 24-hour monitoring of floating platform motions on the 'Marco Polo' TLP platform. It was continuously registering all platform motion related indicators during hurricanes and other weather conditions in the Gulf of Mexico Region.

Objectives:

normal and hurricane level wind data collection loop currents platform motions tensions/risers motions VIV behavior of tendons/risers extreme loads/fatigue life of the platform structure

This PhD study is carrying out a detailed and focused analysis of the hazards, the causes and effects of underwater gaseous explosions. Once the causes are established, the studies will lead on to an investigation and appraisal of methods of mitigation, with the goal of eliminating the risk to divers.

A small number of dispersant effectiveness tests will be conducted at Ohmsett - The National Oil Spill Response Test Facility that will complete two important sections of the dispersant effectiveness test matrix not completed during the October 2003 experimental test series. Testing will be conducted on IFO-180 fuel oil treated with Corexit 9500 dispersant at a DOR of 1:25. In replicated tests at sea this combination yielded consistently high levels of dispersant performance.