Swiss-based driller Noble Corporation is tackling a range of “deficiencies and maintenance issues” raised by the U.S. Coast Guard related to its deepwater drillship Noble Discoverer during operations carried out off- shore Alaska.
The contractor said it was “working cooperatively and diligently” to rectify the issues raised by the Coast Guard during a recent inspection of the drillship. The inspection followed a successful drilling season off- shore Alaska, it added.
The Coast Guard has identified several components and systems aboard the drillship for attention, including the ship’s propulsion and safety management systems.
In connection with Noble’s internal review independent of the Coast Guard inspection, it has also reported certain other potential regulatory non-compliance issues that it discovered relating to its operations, including possible unauthorized collected water discharges outside the period of drilling operations.
The company continued: “Noble has already resolved a number of the issues with the Noble Discoverer identified by the Coast Guard and plans to complete the remaining items during the previously scheduled shipyard stay in Washington. The drillship is currently being mobilised to the shipyard.”
Noble and Royal Dutch Shell (the current customer for the Noble Discoverer), in coordination with the Coast Guard, are also reviewing the drillship’s operations in Alaska and the impact of the 2012 arctic operating conditions, with the intent of further strengthening the readiness of the drillship and the other drilling assets for 2013.
Additionally, the drilling contractor said it was developing an enhanced plan designed to ensure its rigs and their related management procedures are in compliance with applicable maritime laws and leading industry practices.
“Noble continues to cooperate with the Coast Guard’s ongoing review, as well as conducting its own investigation and a review of its marine management processes and procedures. The company cannot make any assurance as to the timing, impact or outcome of the Coast Guard investigation or its own investigation into these regulatory matters,” it concluded.
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