Riser ‘first’ planned for Bacchus drilling

Offshore staff

NORWICH, UK – Apache North Sea Ltd. has contracted a high-pressure marine riser system from Aquaterra Energy Ltd. The 10,000 psi-rated, full-bore drilling riser system is destined for Apache’s 2011 drilling program in Bacchus field, North Sea. Three subsea wells are to be drilled from the Rowan Gorilla VII jackup.

The H4 compatible subsea Merlin connector by Oil States Industries (UK) Ltd to be used on the riser system is a “world first” in terms of connections and operations, says Aquaterra Energy. The weld-on connector, rather than flanged connector, brings 10,000 psi risers into line with other jackup riser systems.

“We carried out an extensive competitive tender process, and the Aquaterra/Oil States system had clear technical advantages and was commercially attractive,” says Brett McIntyre, Apache’s drilling manager. “We look forward to being able to use this world’s first, full bore 10k Merlin riser connection next year.”

08/31/2010