(EMAILWIRE.COM, November 19, 2002 ) DNV has assisted with risk management services to a new riser drilling vessel that will exceed the current scientific drilling capabilities dramatically by drilling down to much greater depths and through potential high-pressure zones to take core samples. The researchers' goals are to find out more about earthquakes and climate changes.International research has the last years brought achievements such as substantiation of the plate tectonics, clarification of the plate boundary structure, and proof of past global environmental change. Now the objective is to construct a more comprehensive theory of the earth system. It has been found that mantle dynamics is the motive power of plate tectonics. To find out more about this, a new drilling vessel was required - the OD21- Ocean Drilling in the 21st century.The OD21 riser drilling system uses a large-diameter pipe, a so-called riser, to connect the vessel to the wellhead on the seabed. This pipe is used as a pathway for mud re-circulation and also guides the drill string for re-entry into the well.DNV has assisted with risk management services. Initially an overall risk evaluation for the personnel onboard the ship was conducted, focusing on protection means and ability to evacuate from the scene of a possible accident. Then an evaluation was carried out to verify that no single failure could cause the vessel to loose its ability to keep its position. In addition several hazard and operability analyses have been carried out regarding the dynamic positioning system, the drilling and lifting equipment.Sea trials will be held to check the ship's hull performance and a commissioning test will be carried out on her dynamic positioning system in December. After that, she will move to Nagasaki, where the "topside" -drilling and core sampling equipment - will be installed.The vessel is part of a Japanese research and development project that forms part of the international Integrated Ocean Drilling Program. Japan Marine, Science and Technology Center - JAMSTEC - is the owner of the vessel. OD21 is expected to be in full operation as from 2005. The vessel contains extensive lab and helicopter-landing facilities. As many as 150 people will be on board when she is in operation due to the fact that many scientists will perform their work on board. All this people make security efforts more extensive and acceptable safety solutions harder to find.For further information contact DNV Corporate Communications. Tel. 47 67 57 81 06DNV Internet Homepage: http://www.dnv.com/

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