Metocean, Ice and Seismic Conditions Offshore Northeastern Sakhalin Island
Authors: Truskov Pavel A. 
Published: October 2008

Some 40 years of hydrocarbon development in arctic and subarctic regions of the continental shelf have given the industry extensive knowledge and experience in the effective design of offshore infrastructure. Major environmental conditions impacting arctic platform design include seismic activity, wave loading and ice conditions. The Sakhalin 2 team analyzed these dynamics--and their interaction with an ice cover system--within the context of the region's specific geographic characteristics to achive an optimum cost-effective design concept for the Piltun-Astokhskoye and Lunskoyefields. Further, the project team set out to design fit-for purpose facilities capable of withstanding the challenges of the environment. A key point here is the avoidance of overdesign. The methodological approach called for the planning and development of these oil and gas resources based on a phase field development. The Sakhalin 2 team also agreed that its initial environmental data - including the dynamics - would drive the design definition process. Sakhalin Energy began studying the environmental conditions of the Piltun-Astokhskoye and Lunskoye fields in 1991. The team broadened the scope of the study in 1995 to incorporate the contributions of several Russian organizations. These extensive studies helped to define the cost of the project and helped to set economic parameters for future arctic developments.

Collection of environmental data following facilities installation is expected to bring: continued optimization of offshore production facilities design for arctic regions; improved safety conditions for an accident-free operation; and effective monitoring of environmental conditions which may impact operations.

These considerations underscore the value of historic ice/metocean data in forecasting future operations.

Judicious metocean studies and a commitment to fit-for-purpose designs will deliver a value-added asset to Sakhalin Energy investors, while ensuring safe and environmentally conscious facilities for Russia.

Introduction

The characteristic of the natural conditions off the northeastern Sakhalin is a major component of the Sakhalin 2 project. These data are of importance for various sections of the project, such as design, construction of engineering facilities, feasibility study, environmental impact assessment, and geotechnical surveys. The reliability and quality of initial data will further define the quality of the project proper.

Initial data were gathered and analyzed in agreement with the guidelines and normative documents of the Russian Federation. Thus, one may obtain reliable initial data from the following sources.Official publications and observation reports (atlases, catalogues, yearbooks, etc.) of the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Rosgidromet) and affiliated institutions.Information reflected in state standards (GOST), building codes (SNiP, SP), industrial standards (OST), industrial design codes (VNTP), industrial building codes (VSN), and guidelines (RD).Reports of organizations that performed research and surveying on Sakhalin Island and its shelf which are registered at the Rosgidromet and are available at these organizations.Company's research addressed collection and analysis of natural input data (expeditions, calculations, and such).

At the time being, the Rosgidromet is authorized to control the gathering and dissemination of hydrometeorological data. Organizations involved in gathering, processing, and dissemination of such information should possess an appropriate license.