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Posts Tagged ‘Newfoundland’

An international regulatory colleague brought this puzzling RigZone article to my attention. Quotes:

“From one perspective, one can look at the overall absence of risk – from this perspective, we can easily say that either the United Kingdom’s North Sea or Canada’s Nova Scotian continental shelf is the safest region for offshore oil and gas operations right now,” Robak told Rigzone.

“Canada’s offshore industry accounts for approximately one million barrels per day, and its geographic location along the Nova Scotian continental shelf has been a benefit in that there is little to no risk to its continued operation on a day-to-day basis,” Robak said.

Comments:

Scotian shelf

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41 years ago today, 84 men lost their lives on the Ocean Ranger. BOE’s 40th anniversary posts can be viewed here and here. The excellent 40th anniversary tribute video is embedded below. Remember these heroes.

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Newfoundlander Howard Pike’s excellent tribute to my former colleague Charles Smith can be viewed from minutes 26 to 36 of this video.

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The offshore world lost an important figure over the weekend with the passing of John Gregory Fitzgerald. As Chairman and CEO of the Canada Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board in the late 1990’s, John presided over the first production from the massive Hibernia field. He also approved the pioneering Terra Nova project, the first FPSO development in a harsh, iceberg laden environment.

John worked closely with his international counterparts and hosted an important offshore safety meeting in St. John’s in 1996. It was an honor to be associated with such an outstanding individual and dedicated safety leader.

RIP John, your contributions will not be forgotten.

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… especially those in Newfoundland where the only offshore oil and gas operations in the N. American Atlantic are being conducted.

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Home overlooking Iceberg Alley near Ferryland, Newfoundland (from Earthly Mission)

Far offshore from Ferryland (see map below), oil and gas operations are conducted in what are arguably the world’s most challenging conditions. The Grand Banks has been called the “North Sea plus icebergs,” and that may be an understatement.

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Newfoundland is only 30 to 90 minutes ahead of the other Atlantic provinces and states, but the offshore energy gap is much greater. Newfoundland continues to be the only Atlantic producer, and the future is looking brighter with another positive step by industry and the provincial government.

Calgary, Alberta (May 31, 2022) – Cenovus Energy Inc. and its partners have agreed to restart the West White Rose Project offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. First oil from the platform is anticipated in the first half of 2026, with peak production anticipated to reach approximately 80,000 barrels per day (bbls/d), 45,000 bbls/d net to Cenovus, by year-end 2029.

Construction includes the completion of the concrete gravity structure and topsides, which will serve as the drilling platform for the project. Once installed, the platform will be tied into existing infrastructure.

Cenovus
West White Rose Extension Project

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Bay du Nord FPSO planned for 500 km offshore St. John’s in 1200 m water depth

Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault formally approved the Bay du Nord offshore oil megaproject Wednesday, making a decision that will infuriate environmentalists but boost the Newfoundland and Labrador economy.

CBC News

Previous post on this project.

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Equinor images

A decision on the proposed Bay du Nord oil project off the coast of Newfoundland will be delayed by another 40 days, according to Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.

Ottawa’s decision for the project was set for Sunday, but was originally scheduled for Dec. 6. The 40-day delay means a decision could come by April 13.

The project has reportedly caused a division within Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet, according to Radio-Canada, which reported in February that several Liberal ministers from Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia want to reject Bay du Nord. 

CBC

The delays in Ottawa are disappointing for the following reasons:

  1. Recent polling indicates very strong support among Newfoundlanders for offshore oil and gas operations and the Bay du Nord project. Newfoundland Premier Andrew Fury fully supports the project.
  2. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada concluded that “the Bay du Nord Development Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, taking into account the implementation of mitigation measures.”
  3. Equinor is a responsible offshore operator with a strong track record in Norway and elsewhere.
  4. The importance of “free world” oil and gas production has never been more obvious. That will continue to be the case for the life of this project and beyond.
  5. The project would generate $3.5 billion in revenues to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and provide estimated in-province employment of 22.3 million-person hours for the life-of-field.

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Howard Pike forwarded this comprehensive Ocean Ranger video. Worth watching.

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