Not scared by "cute polar bears"
Drilling in the Arctic is as safe as anywhere says Managing Director of Odfjell Drilling Simen Lieungh.
“I believe that safety is well ensured in Arctic areas. There is always a risk of accidents, but we are ready”, Lieungh says to Aftenbladet. “We are able to conduct safe and secure drilling operations. Slips are just as dangerous in the Northern Sea”, Lieungh says to Aftenbladet.
“Environmental organizations’ choice of arguments is too simplistic. I don’t buy the picture of a cute polar bear”.
Lieungh believes the oil industry has learnt many lessons from the Deepwater Horizon accident in the Gulf of Mexico, which was a revelation for many:
“It could have happened to anyone. It’s wrong to believe it could not have happened here. We should be humble about it. People make mistakes, and it was people not the equipment that failed at Macondo.”
Ready for Russia
Odfjell Drilling has amibitions to enter the Russian market. When large foreign companies as Statoil, Exxon and Eni have concluded partnerships with Russian companies, there can be good opportunities there also for Odfjell, Lieungh says.
«We want to find a model for the High North. But to enter the Russian market without a Russian partner is not easy”, Lieungh says and adds that doing business in Russia can be risky.
Odfjell Drilling’ is a privately owned international drilling, well service and engineering company with 3000 employees. The company has nearly 40 years of experience from international drilling operations and has carried out drilling operations in the North Sea and in most parts of the world.
The company’s fleet includes two ultra deepwater and harsh environment drilling rigs and two ultra deepwater drillships.
