What Have We Learned From Hurricane Katrina?
To mark the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, specialist insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) has released a report analyzing windstorm risks and losses and how to mitigate future losses, given increasing weather volatility.
Chris Fischer Hirs, CEO of AGCS, said “Even without considering the influence of climate change, the prospect of increasing windstorm losses is more likely in future due to continuing economic development in hazard-prone urban, coastal areas around the world and in Asia in particular. Preparedness is a key issue to limit windstorm exposure.”
The report highlights the importance of planning for various weather conditions and of closely monitoring developing situations. Extreme conditions can also significantly impact the design and operations of offshore facilities, and it is therefore vital that those using meteorological and oceanographic information are aware of how the weather, waves, currents and water-levels influence their work. Insufficient understanding of such conditions can bring about serious health, safety, environmental and economic consequences.
Looking at quantifying the impact and effect of weather and sea conditions on a wide range of activities in the offshore oil and gas and marine renewables industries is a chief objective of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology's (IMarEST) Metocean Awareness course. This includes seismic and geotechnical surveys, drilling campaigns, new project developments, tow-out and installation of structures, operations and maintenance, and field abandonment.
IMarEST's Technical Director, Dr Bev Mackenzie, said “Attendees gain a vital understanding of metocean and how greater knowledge can improve safety, improve decision-making and planning, and reduce costs for the offshore industries."
All attendees will also receive a year's complimentary membership to the IMarEST.