deepwater

Techniques for well-abandonment log evaluations have been studied in the Gulf of Mexico since 2012. The new methods described in this paper consist of adding nuclear sensors to supplement the acoustic measurements and introduce novel processing methods.

New seismic data gathering techniques promise better images for less by gathering more data quicker, seeing past obstructions, and seeking out scarce frequencies.

Construction costs, contractor involvement, flow assurance, and the integration of new technologies created to improve production are some of the deepwater challenges exacerbated by the current low price environment.

In June, Mexico’s national oil company Pemex announced its largest discoveries of oil and gas in 5 years. Located in the shallow-water basin of the Gulf of Mexico offshore Tabasco and Campeche, the four new fields are estimated to hold 350 million bbl of oil.

Operators have announced reduced budgets and delayed deepwater project sanctions. Despite these reductions, the long term outlook is for increased deepwater spending.

During the 10-year period between 2003 and 2013, Mexico drilled 30 deep- and ultradeepwater wells in water depths ranging from 512 to 2900 m.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing region in deepwater development in the next 5 years.

The SPE Delta Section will cohost its annual Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Technical Symposium in New Orleans in August. A variety of topics on deepwater exploration and production (E&P) will be presented.

This paper describes field experiences and perspectives on a Smart Fields implementation for the Bonga deepwater field and uses the results of a post-implementation study to evaluate the business effects and lessons learned after 5 years.

The offshore industry has taken another step toward opening up new deepwater frontiers to exploration with Maersk Drilling ordering the first 20,000-psi blowout preventer (BOP) made by GE Oil and Gas.