Lessons learned from accidents related to the exploration and production of hydrocarbons

In April 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig accident, which claimed 11 lives and led to an unprecedented oil spill, prompted a profound rethinking of the safety of offshore oil and gas operations. Many reports were published on this accident and the lessons learned have been widely incorporated into the practices of the oil industry and in the regulations of various countries. This report aims to provide a more global view of accidents related to the exploration and production of hydrocarbons and to provide the stakeholders (regulators, professionals, public) with objective figures which may assist in the analysis and evaluation of hazards associated with these activities. Special emphasis was given to accident statistics related to wellbores over their lifecycle : drilling, completion, production, interventions, plugging and abandonment. This study was conducted under the ageis of the french Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy.