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Originally Posted by brendaward

Does anyone know if we have any of these deep water wells in the north sea? If so what is being done to ensure the Safety of these to ensure a similar disaster does not affect the British Isles?

FT.com / In depth - UK to double inspections of drilling rigs

[stigofthedump]

Originally Posted by brendaward

Does anyone know if we have any of these deep water wells in the north sea? If so what is being done to ensure the Safety of these to ensure a similar disaster does not affect the British Isles?

Just the British Isles??

Vince

[John_M]

Originally Posted by brendaward

Does anyone know if we have any of these deep water wells in the north sea? If so what is being done to ensure the Safety of these to ensure a similar disaster does not affect the British Isles?

The North sea doesn't get to that sort of depth, so the simple answer is no. However, the deeper water fields in the North Sea present their own unique set of problems. Likewise the deep water fields West of the Shetlands. The fact that blowouts like this are not more common is due in large part to the huge amounts invested in new technology, and equally huge amounts spent on developing new techniques and greater knowledge in all sorts of areas.
The regulatory structure is more strict in the North Sea, and, from personal experience, I can say that the vast majority of operators are intensely aware of environmental impact, and take steps to mitigate or eliminate any impact that usually exceed the legal requirements.
Nevertheless, stuff happens. All we can do is learn from our mistakes.

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It is also important to note that Divers can operate in the North Sea and sort out problems. In the Gulf of Mexico, at 1500m, we can only send down ROV's. This is a major, major disadvantage.

[Paul mabbott]

The New York Times has at last got round to recognising the obvious: that the Gulf of Mexico has been a cess-pit for years!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/30/us..._r=1&th&emc=th