MEDITERRANEAN

摘要

As the effects of the Macondo blowout continue to be felt across the oil and gas industry, the Mediterranean has again become the focus for a potential moratorium on drilling. Vessel owners operating in the region will have noted that the Mediterranean SOS Network is petitioning Mediterranean countries and the EU for a moratorium on new offshore drilling projects, and for the decommissioning of existing platforms. The call for the moratorium is based on the "horrendous consequences" that would be felt in the region if a disaster similar to Macondo was to occur, due to the Mediterranean's semi-enclosed sea and consequent limited rate of water renewal. The petition also explains the importance of maintaining safety standards for the operation of existing platforms, as well as the enhancement of an emergency response should any blowout or similar incident occur.