DNV launches shale development verification services

Norwegian classification society DNV GL has announced the launch of global, risk-based shale development verification services.

The service is based on the provisions of the company’s recommended practice for risk management of shale gas developments and operations, regulatory requirements as well as other standards that are publicly available.

The verification service will help to assure stakeholders that an independent assessment can assist in preventing incidents, reducing operational costs while limiting the environmental footprint of shale developments.

During the assessment process, best practices including environmental, occupational and process safety, human factors, well integrity, and other elements will be measured.

The process determines the possibility of implementation of a comprehensive, transparent risk management approach related to risk identification and mitigation in order to allow sustainable shale project development or expansion.

According to DNV, operators, regulators, insurance companies, banks and other oil and gas stakeholders can use the service to frame the risk dialogue, based on international approaches.

DNV GL oil and gas CEO Elisabeth Tørstad said that industry can gain stakeholder acceptance by implementing best practices and proactive risk management in a safe, responsible and sustainable manner.

"As shale gas and liquids development are experiencing exponential growth in North America, a wide range of operational risks have been realised, including gas flaring, fugitive emissions, rail transport incidents, water management, fracking chemicals, explosions, fires, infrastructure limitations, occupational risks, and asset integrity issues," Tørstad added.

---

Image: DNV GL – Oil & Gas CEO Elisabeth Tørstad. Photo: courtesy of DNV GL.