Table of ContentsDepartmentsCommentNo slow-down in new technologyAs we swing into that time of year again for the annual Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, it’s clear that the offshore industry has cut back on some activity and spending.
Global dataGLOBAL DATAGLOBAL DATA
Global E&P BriefsGLOBAL E&PThe FPSO BW Cidade de Sao Vicente left Singapore last month and should be nearing the Tupi field off Brazil.
Offshore EuropeOFFSHORE EUROPEExploration on the Norwegian shelf last year led to 25 discoveries, including four in the Barents Sea, according to the latest survey by the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD).
Gulf of MexicoGULF OF MEXICOChevron has initiated front-end engineering and design of a new hub to develop the Jack and nearby St. Malo discoveries in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, George Kirkland, executive VP of Upstream and Gas, said at the company’s annual meeting with financial analysts.
Subsea/Surface SystemsSUBSEA SYSTEMSBMT Scientific Marine Services has contracted Sonardyne International Ltd. to supply an integrated acoustic positioning and telemetry system for use at Petrobras America’s Cascade/Chinook field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Vessels, Rigs,UpgradeVESSELS, RIGS, & SURFACE SYSTEMSGood news for deepwater drillers and equipment suppliers the market for your services is expected to remain strong.
Drilling/ProductionDRILLING & PRODUCTIONHalliburton has developed a new downhole power unit (DPU) series with real-time monitoring for exploration of unconventional assets.
GeosciencesGEOSCIENCESCGGVeritas plans to acquire two 2D seismic surveys offshore Gabon and to have the data before the 10th Gabonese License Round scheduled between June and December 2010.
Business BriefsBUSINESS BRIEFSCairn India has appointed Edward Story as a non-executive director. Story, who has more than 40 years experience in the international oil and gas industry, is the founder, president, and CEO of Soco International.
Beyond the HorizonIn tough times, test to be sureWhat is the ancient carpenter’s mantra? “Measure twice, cut once!” This is good advice that has stood the test of time worldwide for centuries.
Drilling Technology ReportShell’s North field SIMOPS at forefront of innovationSimultaneous operations save time and money in Qatar
Real-time formation pressure testing extends ‘while-drilling’ capabilitiesThe growing complexity of drilling applications makes real-time formation pressure data acquisition increasingly vital to successful reservoir development.
20,000 psi completion coming to GoMThe first subsea system qualified at 20,000 psi (138 MPa) system is scheduled for installation by Anadarko Petroleum Co. in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
Indian OceanRegional activity revives interest in Africa’s final frontierSeychelles, Madagscar lead way in licensing
Bangladesh looks to deepwater for gas$8 billion in investments required
Complex imaging challenges met offshore India3D SRME approach effective
OTC PreviewOTC .09 Celebrating 40 yearsPanel on energy outlook kicks off technical program
Geology & GeophysicsSubsalt overpressure detection with wave equation depth imaging can save time, costSubsalt oil deposits likely represent the most significant remaining conventional oil resource base for the US.
Leasing under way off Iceland and Jan Mayen, NorwayThe announcement by Iceland last year that it would hold a petroleum license round undoubtedly surprised a number of people, geologists among them, who thought that the area, bisected as it is by the Atlantic Mid Oceanic Ridge and its associated volcanic outpourings, was completely non-productive as far as hydrocarbons were concerned.
Drilling & Completion2009 Annual Rotary Steerable System DirectoryRotary steerable system (RSS) technology for the offshore market continues to advance amid a pull-back in oil prices.
RSS case study: Steerability in the GoM subsaltApplied science for challenging transition zones
Subsurface waste injection taking quantum technical leapToday, cuttings injection has advanced from a simple pumping operation to a scientifically engineered technology that, when designed and monitored correctly, represents a permanent and liability-proof waste disposal option.
Micro-emulsion wash technique suited to all offshore environmentsThe application of micro-emulsion technology to the problem of oil-contaminated waste may solve the problem in many instances.
Engineer, Construction & InstallSkidbeam/cribbing design simplifies shipment of Opti-Ex hullIn 2008, Exmar contracted Dockwise to transport the 7,500-metric ton (8,267-ton) hull of its Opti-EX 6000 platform from Korea to the Gulf of Mexico.
Production OperationsNew remote concept improves subsea control, long-distance stepoutsThe Virtual Control Buoy (VCB) is a new concept for the control of remote subsea gas wells.
Using optical fibers for integrity monitoring in risers, flowlinesMultiple field retrofits simplify stress screening
Managing sand and erosive solids to optimize safety and productionCoordinated data gathering aids risk assessment
SubseaAutonomous vehicle offers greater flexibility for deepwater inspectionsAs offshore oil and gas exploration and production has evolved, more and more infrastructure of increasing complexity in deeper water and of increased criticality to successful operations is being installed on the seabed.
Construction vehicles engineered for fast deployment in heavy seasThe newly developed Innovator Leviathan is Sonsub’s most powerful heavy work class ROV to date, providing high levels of power and control for deepwater operations.
Flowlines & PipelineUnderstanding hydrate, corrosion issues through flowfield investigationCFD analysis critical to safeguard system integrity
NorwayHiLoad system to stabilize drillship in Arctic watersAs Remora’s first HiLoad unit prepares for sea trials, the contractor already is planning a second under an EPC contract awarded by Stena Drilling last year.
Frigg jacket removed to shore via novel re-float methodBuoyancy tanks guide heavy structure to Stord
Innovation Park to showcase Norwegian technologiesFor the first time, Norway’s presence at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston May 4-7 will feature an Innovation Park, where 11 companies plan to display novel products and services for the oil and gas industry.
ROV winches with AHC engineered for harsh environmentsRapp Hydema has introduced ROV winches with active heave compensation (AHC) for extreme conditions such as ultra deepwater and arctic areas.
High-capacity pumps boost Gjøa fire protection capabilityBergen-based Frank Mohn is supplying StatoilHydro’s Gjøa platform in the North Sea with what it says are the world’s largest firewater pumps.
Multipurpose ‘lift boat’ suited to heavy topsides, subsea deploymentsMaster Marine is due to bring a new-concept multipurpose offshore vessel into service in 2010.
Norwegian company profilesBennex supplies special components, systems and services to the international subsea sector and general ocean research activities.
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