BSEE establishing ocean safety institute

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said May 29 that it will establish an independent body for research and shared learning for offshore energy exploration and development.

BSEE, a part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, said it is taking steps to establish an independent Ocean Energy Safety Institute to promote safe and responsible operations across the offshore oil and gas industry.

“The Institute will help federal regulators keep pace with new processes employed by the industry as they move into deeper water and deeper geologic plays that require technological innovation to bring projects into production,” BSEE Director James Watson said in a statement.

The institute stems from a recommendation by the Ocean Energy Safety Advisory Committee, a federal advisory group which includes representatives from industry, federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations and the academic community. The committee recommended establishing a body that would provide research, technical assistance and education and serve as a center of expertise in oil and gas exploration, development and production technology.

—Petroleum News