Met Office forecasts aid O&G companies in recent bad weather

Harsh weather over North Sea regions, with average wind and wave conditions the highest in any December since 1981, has led to many operational challenges for a number of oil and gas companies.

Detailed weather information is vital for offshore workers, and the Met Office in Aberdeen has been providing North Sea companies with a range of bespoke site-specific forecasts and warnings.

Vessels travelling to rigs to deliver diesel for generators, and to supply fresh water, have been faced with wave heights and wind speeds consistently above the long term average, and helicopter transit has been severely restricted – posing additional operational challenges for companies and often making deliveries impossible.

Patrick Sachon, Head of Oil & Gas at the Met Office, says: “During this challenging winter, our […] forecasts are providing companies throughout the North Sea with important weather information. This is enabling them to plan and make informed decisions on safety, both for staff operating and maintaining rigs and for their assets”.

The Met Office recently assisted with the evacuation of 75 workers from an installation, following warnings of high waves from their bespoke forecast.

In December 2013 many offshore rigs experienced average wave heights and wind speeds the highest in all Decembers since Met Office records began in 1981. The highest significant wave height was recorded as 17.8 m, in the north North Sea. The highest mean wind speed was 60 knots recorded in the central North Sea, with the highest gust at 73 knots in the southern North Sea.

Making the most of the weather opportunities and avoiding damaging weather is critical for oil and gas companies working in North Sea regions, where health and safety is paramount.

More information can be found here.

Adapted from a press release by David Bizley

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/exploration/18022014/met_office_provides_vital_forecasting_during_north_sea_storms/