A new generation of tension leg platforms (TLPs) could change the face of drilling off West Africa. According to Bruce Crager, president of ABB Offshore Systems Inc., the new extended TLP (ETLP) is composed of safe, conventional, and well-proven systems.
Crager told participants at the Offshore West Africa conference in Namibia this week that the ETLP offers the advantage of a proven performance record. The platform allows surface wellheads, vertical access to wells, support of remote wells, improved motion characteristics, drilling and workover capability, as well as cost efficiency, he said.
"Hull steel cost for an ETLP is 40% less than that of a conventional TLP," Crager said.
The ETLP design for offshore West Africa differs from an ETLP that would work in the Gulf of Mexico. The African version is short and squatty in shape, has a shallower draft, a greatly reduced air gap, and tendons less dominated by dynamics, Crager said.
Functionality and strength are key elements of the design.
"ETLPs are a better solution for offshore West Africa because they allow greater payload in ultra-deepwater than standard TLP designs," Crager said.
03/13/03
