Background

Operating across diverse offshore environments demands resilience, preparation, and consistency. Dolphin Drilling's fleet operates within two distinct climatic regions, the storm-exposed UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) and cyclone-prone waters in India. Each presents unique operational challenges, from intense North Sea winter storms to the seasonal threats within cyclone regions, which can escalate rapidly, requiring swift and decisive action.

Historically, adverse weather procedures varied across units, reflecting the regional differences. However, Dolphin Drilling recognised the need for a streamlined and unified approach. The goal of the newly established project was to identify the significance of local weather patterns and apply the same structured approach during adverse weather work, escalating to harsh and potentially extreme weather conditions, regardless of the MOU's location. Doing this effectively would result in greater clarity when responding to different weather conditions, and ultimately, safer working conditions for staff onboard the rig and creating procedures that could save clients millions in preventing unplanned rig shutdowns.

Challenge

In October 2023, Storm Babet highlighted industry-wide vulnerabilities in offshore weather preparedness across the UKCS. The increased scrutiny from both the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) prompted Dolphin Drilling to reassess its own procedures. Regulators also issued a Draft Offshore Information Sheet on Air Gap in Semi-submersible Installations, emphasising the need for site-specific assessments and robust documentation aligned with ISO 19905-3 and DCR Regulation 7.

The challenge is compounded in cyclone regions by the rapid onset of extreme weather, which demands timely decision-making, effective evacuation protocols, and protection of equipment and station-keeping capabilities.

With one unit currently active in the UKCS and another operating in a cyclone region, Dolphin Drilling identified an urgent need for consistency in approach and enhanced offshore preparedness.

Solution

To address these challenges, a cross-functional working group was established, bringing together key personnel from the onshore operations team and offshore leaders from the Paul B. Loyd Jr., Borgland Dolphin, and Blackford Dolphin.

The group's objectives were to:

  • Ensure that all company procedures are technically sound, practical, and actionable, no matter the working location.
  • Develop clear guidance covering weather observation, risk assessment, decision-making (including client approvals), cessation of works, escalation and timely preparation.
  • Develop 'Harsh Weather Plans', adaptable by each MOU, providing specific actions for each department in advance of, during, and after any harsh or extreme weather event.
  • Align procedures across all MOUs, eliminating all inconsistencies.
  • Develop a working methodology to incorporate location-specific operating limits and develop WSOGs [Well Specific Operating Guidelines] for each site.

To ensure the policy was grounded in best practice, the working group drew on a combination of regulatory feedback (i.e. HSE and OPRED), lessons learned from industry experiences, and technical standards such as ISO 19905-3 and IMCA-M-220. Industry guidance from bodies such as BROA and OEUK helped shape the policy's structure and expectations.

Outcome

Implementation of the new Adverse Weather Policy is underway and has delivered early signs of improved clarity and consistency across rigs. The working group has completed updates to documentation and procedures, ensuring all rigs are aligned in their approach to adverse weather.

Importantly, Dolphin Drilling now has an industry-leading operating framework that guides both the planning and execution phases for any operating location. Having established this, it not only ensures that the correct information is available in advance of commencement, but it also ensures that this information is represented effectively for the offshore delivery team, supporting decision-making. This unified policy doesn’t just meet expectations - it exceeds them, protecting millions in potential downtime and ensuring greater safety by enabling rapid, efficient, and consistent decision-making across all regions. By standardising procedures, eliminating confusion and keeping operations moving.

Looking Ahead

As Dolphin Drilling enters the 2025 winter period in the UKCS, further refinements will continue as new storm data and operational feedback is gathered. While cyclonic conditions are arguably more severe, they are less frequent, which means the North Sea winter period is significantly more prevalent in terms of storm frequency, allowing for the opportunity to optimise and further reduce risk.

Through the demonstrated improvement and collaboration, Dolphin Drilling continues to prove itself as the industry leader in the moored semi-submersible drilling market. The continued commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, consistency, and operational resilience demonstrates the invaluable expertise Dolphin Drilling has amassed over its 60 years of experience.