Decision process for emergency evacuation shelters in the Beaufort sea

• Main Authors: Barker, A., Timco, G., Wright, B., McDermott, S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Lulea University of Technology 2009
• Subjects: Arctic; Beaufort Sea; Ice Sheet; ice covered waters
• Online Access: https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/object/?id=c69861db-c362-4a76-85e9-22468d6a9d36; https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/fra/voir/objet/?id=c69861db-c362-4a76-85e9-22468d6a9d36

Emergency evacuation from offshore structures in ice-covered waters is very challenging. Different systems are required depending upon the type of ice conditions surrounding the structure. In some cases where a stable ice sheet forms, an on-ice Evacuation Shelter can be a viable, cost-effective approach. This paper describes the conditions where this would be feasible and outlines the decision process to optimize the location of the shelter on the ice. The Evacuation Shelter that was deployed at the Paktoa C-60 drilling site is used as an example. The detailed planning requirements and implementation measures from this site are described. Peer reviewed: Yes NRC publication: Yes