OIL PROTECTION IN THE NORTH SEA

The logical means of eliminating blow-outs is through improved oil drilling methods and more powerful legislation. Failing prevention, better cleanup methods are imperative. About these, there is disagreement. The simplest method and most reasonable in cost is the use of chemicals which disperse the oil and hasten the natural breaking-up process. This, however, introduces a new pollution in the form of the chemical itself. In Norway, the trend is for recovery of the oil from the surface by mechanical means. By demanding heavier equipment, the authorities have forced the development of equipment which can work under very difficult weather conditions. Requirements for equipment supplied to oil companies in the North Sea are that it shall be capable of gathering and lifting oil in 2-3 m significant wave ht, in wind speeds of 10-11 m/sec, and with a tidal current of 1-5 knots. With the more rigorous regulations on drilling and production operations in the North Sea, and with the projected investment in mechanical gathering and uplifting equipment, S and N of 62 deg lat the risks from oil production will be appreciably reduced.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00475955
• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Marine Engineers

  Memorial Building, 76 Mark Lane
  London EC3R 7JN,   England 
• Authors:
  • Hammel, B
• Publication Date: 1977-6

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 37
• Serial:
  • Marine Engineers Review
  • ISSN: 0047-5955

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Dispersers; Oil recovery equipment; Oil spill cleanup; Oil spills
• Old TRIS Terms: Oil dispersal; Oil removal equipment
• Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167806
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Pollution Abstracts
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 13 1978 12:00AM