deepwater

There are few deepwater-pipeline operators with expertise in pipeline repairs. This paper describes a strategy developed and implemented on deepwater-pipeline intervention, based on a deepwater operational experience built over a decade.

Technology is evolving to meet the challenges to automate water separation and purification in deepwater for environmentally safe discharge at the seabed. To solve these problems the best available solutions must be selected and the technology gaps must be identified and closed.

In 2013, as deepwater projects become increasingly capital intensive, there are economic challenges for exploration and production (E&P) companies and a potential prize for international oilfield service and equipment vendors. Deepwater represents a long-term opportunity.

Industry has overcome the technical challenges with decommissioning in shallow water. But as deepwater structures require removal, a whole new set of decommissioning challenges will require new solutions. This article highlights some of these challenges.

Technology has allowed industry to develop in ever deeper water to successfully add to energy supplies, despite the high capital requirements.

Luke Eaton of ConocoPhillips, Darryl Herrington of LLOG Exploration, and John Thorogood, drilling global consultant provide their perspectives on deepwater technologies.

The OTC 2012 Spotlight on Technology awards highlighted subsea separation and boosting and subsea heavy oil and water separation technologies in deep water.

Shell’s Parque das Conchas project, an ultradeepwater heavy-oil development in the northern Campos basin offshore Brazil, has won the IPTC Excellence in Project Integration Award. The award recognizes significant and unique achievements in managing and directing a project from discovery to delivery.

Expenditures for deepwater projects are expected to rise by 90% over the next 5 years. Drilling and completion of subsea wells will dominate deepwater spending. Higher oil prices are supporting the development of deepwater prospects to contribute to world energy supplies.