SUT-US Shallow Gas: Technical Deep Dive

Starts: Thu, Feb 19, 2026 3:00 PM CST
Ends: Thu, Feb 19, 2026 6:00 PM CST
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Shallow Gas: Technical Deep Dive Shallow Gas has long been a hazard to offshore drilling with numerous significant global events having occurred with loss of life around the world. While techniques for identification, avoidance and operational reaction have developed over time, incidents still sadly occur. This Technical Deep Dive builds off the recent SUT-US Integrated Marine Site Characterization course: focusing on providing in depth understanding of the particular geohazard of Shallow Gas and its implications to drilling operations. Co-hosted by the SUT-US and IADC, the Deep Dive will review the implications of shallow gas to drilling operations and long term well integrity. We will review key past industry events, methods and limitations of shallow gas hazard assessment, risk characterization and communication, drilling and cementing operational approaches to mitigate risks, and responses to unplanned events to ensure operational safety and long term well integrity. This is hoped to be the first of a series of such events on allied geohazard themes. Who should attend: Drillers or Geoscientists with a desire to understand the fundamentals of shallow gas and each other’s technical issues in the prediction, mitigation and response to this key shallow geohazard. There will be an opportunity to discuss experiences and network after the session.

Speakers:
	Andy Hill, bp - SUT-US Chair Andy is bp’s Marine Geohazards Engineering Authority. He is a graduate of UWIST and UCL in the UK - the latter with an MSc in Marine Geology and Geophysics. He has 44 years of industry experience in Marine Geohazards, the last 38 of which have been with bp in related roles based in the UK, US and Azerbaijan. He has been part of bp’s Safety and Operational Risk Division since 2011. Andy is actively involved in several committees and industry groups including IOGP, ISO and as current Chair of SUT-US. He is an Adjunct Lecturer in Integrated Marine Geohazards at Texas A&M Galveston.
	Chris Scaborough, bp Chris is bp’s Well Control Advisor. He is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduating in 1998 Chris entered the Oil & Gas industry as a Roustabout for Noble Drilling. Chris then spent 10 years as a Senior Well Control Specialist for Boots & Coots before joining BP in 2011 as a member of the Well Control Team. Chris is actively involved in several committees and industry groups including API, IADC and the IOGP WEC.

Thank you to our sponsors:

If you are interested in sponsoring this event please contact Mariana Diaz mdiaz@sut-us.org

Organizing Committee: Executive Committee