bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deepwater Arctic Subsea Separation & Storage Systems
Authors: Eie Rolf 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The Arctic is the frontier area to securing energy supplies for the future. Finding oil and gas in the Arctic and subarctic regions is in itself challenging. Extracting the hydrocarbons in a safe and economical way, is considered possibly even more challenging due to extreme low temperatures, ice conditions, remoteness and a sensitive natural environment. The paper is based on ongoing development of a subsea separation and storage system for application in deepwater arctic. The paper describes solutions on how deepwater subsea separation of hydrocarbons and storage of oil can be achieved in hostile environments enabling close to continuous production also when surface production facilities has to abandon location. Overall arctic field development suggestions are presented based on the solutions.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations of a Ship-Shaped, Turret-Moored Floating Structure in Intact and Managed Sea Ice Conditions
Authors: Metrikin Ivan , Teigen Sigurd Henrik , Gürtner Arne , Uthaug Eirik Strøm , Sapelnikov Dmitry , Ervik Åse , Fredriksen Arnt , Lundamo Trine , Bonnemaire Basile 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
This paper presents a performance evaluation method of a floating, geo-stationary structure in sea ice. Using a turret-moored drillship as an example, the paper explains an approach to efficiently combine model-scale experiments and numerical simulations to analyze ice-structure interactions. A novel numerical simulation tool - Statoil's SIBIS model - is used to investigate the performance of the drillship concept in various design ice conditions. The presented method allows cost-efficient performance evaluations of ice-capable platforms throughout the early-phase design process, and leads to increased safety and commerciality of exploration operations in the Arctic.
Conical Structures in Ice: Ride-Up, Radius and Results
Authors: Barker Anne , Sudom Denise , Sayed Mohamed 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
As an ice sheet impinges on the surface of a cone, flexural failure takes place. That ice failure mode causes substantially lower forces than the case of compressive failure, which would take place if ice is to encounter a vertical structure. Previous work by the authors employed a numerical model of ice dynamics in order to predict ice failure patterns and forces on a conical structure. In an initial paper, simulations examined the role of the slope of the cone and the case of ice failure against inverted cones. That study indicated that the slope plays a role on ice loading. Later results, published at ATC 2014, then examined in more detail the roles of structure slope, friction on ice pile-ups and loading on a conical structure and compared the results with the analytical methodology presented in the ISO 19906 Arctic Offshore Structures standard. The present analysis continues to expand the work to examine the role of structure diameter on ice loading and pile-up height. Results are further compared to ISO 19906, with the objective of presenting concrete guidance for the current revision of that standard. Ice forces on upward-breaking cones as a function of structure slope, waterline diameter, ice thickness and ice-structure friction are presented. The results of the study are relevant for structures in ice, such as offshore drilling platforms, bridge piers and offshore wind turbine foundations.
Analysis of a Large Ice Shear Wall: Implications for Pack Ice Driving Forces
Authors: Timco G.W. , Barker A. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
A simple analysis is presented to examine the forces necessary to create a large shear wall of ice which was observed in the Beaufort Sea. This shear wall was approximately 130 m long and 23 m high (from the seabed). Two types of analysis are presented. First, a distinct feature of a 0.8 m thick ice floe which had been pushed up the 8 m high (above the ice level) rubble pile was analyzed by considering a number of analytical models for ice ride-up. The analysis showed that the line loads were estimated to be on the order of 65 to 150 kN/m, and 90 to 208 kN/m for friction values of 0.3 and 0.5 respectively. A second analysis of the creation of the shear wall by a large-scale shearing event suggested the global force would have been on the order of 42 to 90 MN. These values are in agreement with measurements of global ice loads on offshore caisson structures. The analysis was extended to estimate the pack ice driving force for this event. Although a number of gross assumptions were made, the calculated values are in good agreement with other previous estimates of the pack ice driving force in the Beaufort Sea. Overall this study has indicated that observations of these large ice features and subsequent analysis can be a very useful method for gaining additional insight on pack ice driving forces.
The Potential Benefits Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Bring to Subsea Inspection in Arctic Regions
Authors: Jamieson Jim , Hopkins Dwayne 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The introduction of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technology in the Oil and Gas arena has and continues to demonstrate significant advantages in offshore underwater operations.
In the arctic regions, it is difficult to conduct "Life of Field" inspection operations from a support vessel. This is mainly due to restricted freedom of operation caused by polar lows or winter storms and/or the formation and movement of sea ice. AUV systems by their nature have the potential to significantly reduce this operational difficulty, seabed hosted vehicles have the potential to eliminate it completely.
The hovering Autonomous Inspection Vehicle (AIV), developed by Subsea 7, enables complete autonomous inspection of the subsea assets. The system is deployed using a launch and recovery basket, which can be configured to remain on the seabed for significant periods of time. In the latter configuration, the AIV is operated and serviced from the seabed hosted basket, to carry out missions that meet the ‘Life of Field’ operational requirements.
This paper will describe the advanced features of the AIV technology and discuss how it can be effective in the Arctic regions, under ice operations.
Review and Outlook on Arctic Offshore Facilities & Technologies
Authors: Huaiyin Li , Xuebo Dang , Kai Zhu 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
There are 32 arctic offshore oil/gas projects already in operation or having confirmed development plan. Seven offshore engineering patterns have been applied, including "gravity based structure (GBS) + shipping pipeline", "subsea production system + onshore terminal", "artificial island + shipping pipeline", "jacket platform +shipping pipeline + onshore terminal", "floating platform + subsea system", "FPSO + subsea system" and "offshore oil produced from land". Gravity based structure is the most widely used production platform, followed by FPSO/FSO, subsea production system, floating platforms and artificial islands. Arctic offshore wells have been mainly drilled from anti-ice floating drilling platform, ice-resistant fixed drilling platform and artificial island. In future, arctic petroleum exploration & production will move to deeper water area; natural gas development will play more important role. In arctic offshore E&P area Tremendous facilities and technologies will be developed and applied, including anti-ice floating concrete Spar, fully enclosed production platform, "subsea factory", round semi-submersible drilling platform, seafloor drilling rig, GBS LNG facility, free hanging solid ballast semi (FHSB Semi) platform and so on. Advantages & disadvantages, application conditions of main arctic offshore engineering patterns, facilities & technologies are described, which shall be helpful for arctic project investment opportunity study, screening and evaluation.
A Deep Water, Under-Ice AUV: Extended Continental Shelf Mapping in the Arctic
Authors: Mosher D.C. , Verhoef J. , Travaglini P. , Pederson R. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Arctic circulation drives multi-year sea ice against the Canadian Arctic Archepelago, making this margin one of the toughest regions in the Arctic Ocean to survey. Yet Canada had a need to map the seafloor in this region as part of its Extended Continental Shelf Program. One of the solutions to this challenge that Canada adopted was to develop an Autonomous Underwater vehicle that is mobile, could operate under the ice to 5000 m water depth, acquire bathymetric data and return to a location that is unknown prior to mission programming. A partnership program between Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Hydrographic Services, Defense Research Development Canada and International Submarine Engineering Inc.was launched to develop a vehicle that could be operated from an ice camp, work under ice, return to the drifting ice camp, and dump data and recharge while still in the water. The AUV was outfitted with a Knudsen 118 kHz single beam echosounder and a Kongsberg-Simrad EM2000 (200 kHz) multibeam sonar system. In 2010, the first trial of the under-ice AUV was undertaken. The system was launched near Borden Island of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago 400 km under the ice to be recovered at a drifting ice camp. It maintained a height of approximately 100 m above the seafloor and acquired single beam bathymetric data during its voyage. It was recharged at a remote camp and sent back to its base camp acquiring data on its return voyage. In 2011, the system was launched and recovered from an ice-breaker. It traveled 110 km under ice and acquired multibeam data along its track, travelling over difficult terrain during it's transect of a feature known as Sever Spur. The surface ship had drifted about 10 km from its deployment position during the mission, but the AUV was able to return within metres of the vessel.
Charting a Collaborative Course for Arctic Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration
Authors: Fenton Jocelyn A. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The International Energy Agency predicts world energy needs in coming decades will still include significant contributions from oil and gas. The Arctic represents a highly prospective region where technology enables future exploration and production. This paper examines select challenges the oil and gas industry (Industry) faces in the Arctic and considers collaboration and cooperative efforts that will continue to mitigate these issues.
Aspects of Arctic oil and gas exploration that present the greatest opportunities for cooperation include baseline studies, engineering, and oil spill prevention, detection, and response. Sharing physical and technical resources can augment limited Arctic infrastructure, ship availability, and potentially widen restrictive operating windows. Collaborations from baseline science monitoring, ice modeling, and oil spill response consortiums improve efficiency while decreasing costs for industry, consumers, and governmental agencies.
The United States of America (U.S.) assumes Arctic Council Chairmanship from 2015 to 2017 and is expected to continue fostering regulatory collaboration. The U.S. issued its approach to Arctic policy in the 2013 National Strategy for the Arctic Region, in which it cited international cooperation as crucial to advancing collective interests, protecting Arctic environments, promoting prosperity, and enhancing regional security.
Many Arctic-interest groups aim to outline research and technology pursuits that support exploration and development in the Arctic. Navigating numerous stakeholder interests and incentives presents challenges. However, it is essential and the responsible action in order to advance resource access and development.
Oil producing companies have partnered in offshore oil exploration since the 1930s - collaborating on vessels and other support materials. Early overall collaboration and competence-sharing are some of the techniques that can optimize efficiency for all.
Offshore exploration and production in the Arctic is moving forward in a stepwise approach. Years of research and experience are preparing the world for continued prudent development of resources in the Arctic region. Operational limitations make collaboration and knowledge-sharing vital to the economics of offshore exploration.
Emergency Towing Operations in Arctic Waters
Authors: Berg Tor Einar , Selvik Ørjan 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Towing operations present a number of challenges related to acceptable weather window, number of and power rating of tugs, towing gear design and capabilities, positioning of tugs and experience of towing master and tug crews.
The past five years have seen several major accidents related to towing operations in Arctic waters. This paper will review three cases. The first concerns the total loss of the "Kolskaya" rig during transit in the Sea of Okhotsk in 2011. It resulted in the loss of life of a significant number of sailors/rig workers. During the towing of the drilling rig "Kulluk" from Alaska in late 2012, the towline broke and the rig drifted and went aground. US Coast Guard resources saved all the crew members; the hull was penetrated and partly filled with water. In the subsequent salvage operation, the hull was temporarily sealed before the rig was refloated. After the rig was inspected and found seaworthy, she was towed to shelter. Here a further assessment of the damage took place. Later she was towed to Captain's Bay (Unalaska) and loaded on a heavy lift ship for repair at an Asian shipyard. It was later decided to scrap the rig. A third example was the tow of the Norwegian fishing vessel "Kamaro" in October 2012. The vessel lost engine power south of Bear Island. During the second day of the tow the weather deteriorated and the master of the assisting Coast Guard vessel feared that the towline would break. It was decided to evacuate the crew of the fishing vessel and an emergency response helicopter was mobilised. During the first attempt to lift off crew members from the aft deck of the fishing vessel, the lifting wire got entangled and broke sending the crew members into the sea. With one of the rescue winches out of order it was decided that crew members in survival suits should to jump overboard and swim away from the vessel until they were picked up by the SAR helicopter.
The paper provides a brief review of these cases and focuses on lessons to be learned for future emergency towing operations in Arctic waters.
Integration of Seismic and 3D CSEM Data De-risks Play Models in the Hoop Area, Barents Sea
Authors: Gabrielsen Pål T. , Pedersen Camilla B. , Fanavoll Stein , Kjølhamar Bent E. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The Hoop area in the Barents Sea (Norway) is a frontier province with limited well control. It was initially regarded as a gas-dominant hydrocarbon province, but explorationists are viewing the area with new interest after the successful Wisting oil discovery. Despite this success, the area is considered high-risk due to inefficient sealing, and the apparent absence of high-quality reservoir sands. This paper demonstrates how the integration of 3D seismic and 3D controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) data can help de-risk these uncertainties and generate new play models. The study suggests that such an integration can be avaluable workflow component for the 23rd application round in the area, and for drill-drop licence decisions.
Investigation of the Burial and Exhumation History of East Greenland Based On Apatite-fission Track Analysis, Stratigraphic Landform Analysis and the Geological Record
Authors: Japsen Peter , Green Paul F. , Bonow Johan M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractCenozoic uplift and erosion have an important impact on petroleum systems along East Greenland. We have undertaken a regional study of the thermo-tectonic development of the East Greenland margin (68-75°N) based on apatite fission-track analysis (AFTA) data and analysis of the large-scale landscapes. Our results reveal a long history of post-Palaeozoic burial and exhumation across the region. Following breakup at the Paleocene-Eocene transition, the margin underwent kilometerscale burial beneath a cover of Eocene basalts and sediments. Subsequently, three regional phases of uplift and exhumation subsequently shaped the present-day margin. A late Eocene phase of uplift led to formation of a regional erosion surface near sea level (the Upper Planation Surface, UPS). Uplift of the UPS in the late Miocene led to formation of the Lower Planation Surface (LPS) by incision below the uplifted UPS, and a Pliocene phase led to incision of valleys and fjords below the uplifted LPS, leaving mountain peaks reaching 3.7 km above sea level.Preliminary AFTA results from northern East Greenland indicate that the Eurekan Orogeny played a significant role in the thermotectonic development there, but it is difficult to distinguish between heating related to burial followed by erosion and heating caused by high heat flow or hydrothermal activity. A future study of northern East Greenland margin should thus investigate the development during the right-lateral, strike-slip tectonics that moved the Barents Sea relative to Greenland.The results are of importance in assessing the hydrocarbon prospectivity in the offshore basins because uplift and denudation of continental margins can have profound effects on the hydrocarbon system, not only through negative impact of processes but also by providing reservoir clastics to the offshore basin and by changing migration routes. Our results indicate that remnants of oil accumulations on Traill 0 are associated, not only with the deeper burial at the time of hydrocarbon formation, but also with locally increased heat flow from late Eocene intrusions. Further afield, in areas where heat flow was not enhanced, any source rocks present would have remained at lower maturity levels at the end of the Eocene.
Winterization of Bow Loading Systems on Shuttle Tankers
Authors: Nikolaisen Øyvind , Sunde Jarle , Gudmestad Ove Tobias 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
In recent years, oil and gas exploration has moved further north into new areas. The oil and gas industry faces new challenges in the Arctic environment, which is very different from what the oil industry has been dealing with before. ‘Low temperatures’ and ‘ice actions’ are only a few of the keywords when it comes to challenges in the harsh Arctic environment.
The concept of offshore loading is widely used today; e.g. in the North Sea; however, there is a lack of experience when it comes to offshore loading operations in Cold climate areas like the Barents Sea, which requires additional safety barriers related to the bow loading system. In order to ensure the availability of all components related to the bow loading system during the loading operation, the system has to be winterized according to the physical environmental conditions in the operational area. However, there are always limitations when it comes to financial resources, which makes prioritizing necessary. This calls for a study of critical winterization aspects related to the bow loading system, in order to perform operations in a safe manner. It also calls for the development of a risk-based decision-making tool in the winterization design process, based on approved standards and guidelines.
Monitoring Hazardous Sea Ice Features using Satellite Imagery
Authors: Zakharov I. , Bobby P. , Power D. , Saunders K. , Warren S. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The Canadian Arctic is a highly dynamic environment that has the oldest and thickest sea ice in the world. The ice includes various features hazardous for shipping and offshore operations. The paper describes a technology addressing the problem of satellite based monitoring of hazardous features, which include ice ridges, hummocks and rubble fields. Additional attention was paid to identifying glacier ice (ice islands and icebergs). The technology was demonstrated using images collected over the Canadian Arctic in 2013-2014 and ice features were verified by analyzing high resolution satellite optical images that overlap spatially and temporally with the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. Various satellite images and data fusion techniques have been explored for identifying ice features and retrieving their characteristics. Ice parameters being studied include height, size and frequency of ice features.
The Seasonal Cycle of Sea Ice Thickness on the North East Greenland Shelf
Authors: Hansen E. , Gerland S. , Spreen G. , Høyland K. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The seasonal cycle of sea ice thickness on the North East Greenland shelf as derived from 22 years of direct observations with upward looking sonars is quantified. The seasonal cycle of the mean and modal thickness is presented, both as absolute numbers and as anomalies from the annual mean. The average seasonal amplitude for the whole observational period (19902011) is 0.5 m for the modal thickness, and 1.12 m for the mean ice thickness. The mean cycle was also calculated for two distinct periods with respect to the age and thickness of the ice in the region; 1990-2000 and 2001-2011. Between these two periods, the average seasonal amplitude in modal thickness was reduced by 0.2 m. For the mean ice thickness, the corresponding reduction was 0.3 m. In addition the seasonal cycles were shifted down. The results presented here are directly applicable for industry planning activities on the North East Greenland shelf, and are particularly useful for oil companies holding licenses in the Kanumas area. The seasonal and interannual variability of sea ice thickness is large in this region. Any plan for field development or operations in the region must take this variability into account. This includes ice thickness observation campaigns (e.g. by airborne electromagnetic devices) set up to provide details about the design basis prior to field development, where it is imperative that the observations are interpreted on a background of variability. Along with previously published results on long term variability, the present results on the seasonal cycle provide such a background.
Field Data for Sea Ice and Iceberg Drift Offshore Newfoundland and Labrador
Authors: Taylor Rocky , Turnbull Ian , Slaney Aaron 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
This paper is focused on new field data collected for drift behaviour of first-year sea ice, a multi-year ice floe and two icebergs offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. Offshore operations in ice environments require detailed knowledge of ice conditions. Moreover, reliable forecasts of ice drift behaviour for first-year sea ice and extreme ice features such as thick multi-year (MY) ice and icebergs are essential in supporting ice management activities and in supporting effective operational decision-making. Central to the development of improved drift forecasting models is the collection of new field data that can be used to improve understanding of the physical environment and to validate and improve predictive tools. Three ice drift beacons have recently been deployed offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. In the present paper, a description of the beacons used, deployment activities, as well as results from these beacons are reported, along with initial analysis of these data. These new data provide interesting and sometimes unexpected drift behaviour. Results from these beacons are analyzed in light of ocean current and wind data and conclusions regarding the correlations between these environmental conditions and observed drift behaviour are discussed for each case.