Italian firm Eni has started drilling a new oil exploration well in the US waters off the north coast of Alaska.
Spudding of the well follows approval from the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), and a pre-drill inspection.
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The pre-drill inspection by BSEE involved examining drilling equipment, evaluating overall readiness, testing key safety devices, and verifying lease stipulations and environmental mitigation measures.
BSEE Alaska region director Mark Fesmire said: “It’s critical that our BSEE inspection team were on-hand this month to witness equipment tests and verify all operations.
“As drilling operations continue, BSEE will provide oversight to ensure operations are being conducted in accordance with approved plans and permits.”
Drilling will be carried out on Spy Island in the Beaufort Sea, which is a man-made artificial landmass approximately three miles offshore from Oliktok Point in Alaskan state waters.
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By GlobalDataEni’s production facilities comprise 18 producing wells, 13 injector wells and one disposal well, which are located on the island and Oliktok point.
US BSEE director Scott Angelle said: “The Arctic offshore is an important part of the federal Outer Continental Shelf.”
US Interior Land and Minerals Management assistant secretary Joe Balash said: “The Arctic is an important component of the administration’s national energy strategy, and today’s news is great for America as the US advances toward energy dominance.
“Interior is actively working with a number of Alaska Native partners, who rely on the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas for their subsistence way of life, to ensure a healthy environment for today and future generations.”
