The new US rules for offshore oil operations in the Arctic – which forced Shell to postpone drilling until next year – are certainly stricter than the old rules, and will reduce the risk of a blowout. But, if one occurs, the only reliable way to stop it and cap the well is to drill a relief well.
迫使壳牌将钻探推迟到来年的美国海上石油作业新规无疑比原有规则更为严格，并可以降低井喷的风险。但如果真发生井喷，钻减压井是阻止泄漏和封井独一无二的可靠方法。钻减压井最快也要耗时数月，而北极地区可能需要一年或者更长。