Eldon Ball - Houston
The editors ofOffshore have made their choices for the winners of the Five Star Award – the top five offshore field development projects for 2008 – and proudly announce the winners in this issue. The projects are selected on the basis on best use of innovation in production method, application of technology, and resolution of challenges, along with safety, environmental protection, and project completion time. In no particular order, the top five offshore field development projects for 2008 are:
King
BP’s King field in the Gulf of Mexico is the first subsea multiphase pump application in more than 1,676 m (5,500 ft) of water and more than 24 km (15 mi) away from its host TLP. Innovative technology includes a long-distance high-voltage distribution system capable of controlling multiple pumps at different speeds using advanced variable-speed drive systems. This overcame two challenges: umbilical designs that avoided “cross talk’ or interference, and the use of simplified 12 kV ROV (remote operated vehicle) connectors to increase reliability
The project is described in detail byGene Kliewer, Technology Editor, Subsea & Seismic, beginning on page 34.
Jubarte
A milestone for the Brazilian oil industry, the first production from pre-salt layer, began in September at the Jubarte field, north of the Campos basin, in 1,323 m (4,341 ft) water depth, some 77 km (48 mi) off the southern coast of Espírito Santo state.
The project turned the field FPSO into a showcase of Petrobras’ innovations, including a new artificial lifting technology, a special installation setting for a submersible subsea centrifugal pump, and an efficient fluid separation system (oil/water) during production.Contributing Editor Peter Howard Wertheim gives the full details in his report beginning on page 38.
K-5
Gas production is under way at the K-5F field in the Dutch North Sea, by means of the world’s first all-electrical subsea production system. Operator Total E&P Nederland developed the technology with Cameron to overcome weaknesses in conventional, hydraulically activated systems.
Cameron designed the trees for maintenance-free operation during their entire service lives. The challenges in meeting these requirements included selection of materials, the corrosion protection system, and components with a high degree of reliability. The field report byJeremy Beckman, Editor-Europe, begins on page 42.
Agbami
Chevron’s Agbami is one of the largest deepwater discoveries ever in Nigeria.
The project was selected for the Top 5 for its scale and commitment to develop the West African country’s petroleum reserves and local engineering capabilities.
The discovery is in OPL block 216 with water depths ranging from 4,200 ft to 5,400 ft (1,280 m to 1,646 m), making this the deepest project ever in Nigeria.
See the full report byJohn Waggoner, Technology Editor, Drilling & Production, beginning on page 46.
Reliance KG-D6
Reliance Industries began production in the KG-D6 block of Krishna Godavari basin on Sept. 17. A first-of-its-kind hydrocarbons production from any deepwater field in India, Reliance KG-D6 will account for 40% of the country’s indigenous hydrocarbon production, lending to its selection in Offshore’s Top 5 Projects for 2008.
From the time of discovery, RIL started production at KG-D6 in just over two years, making it one of the fastest deepwater oil development projects in the world. Challenges included difficult ocean conditions, lack of adequate subsea data, low seabed temperature, supply chain constraints, and a shortage of technical manpower.
Tracy Dulle, Technology Editor, Surface Systems & Vessels, gives a full report beginning on page 50.
To respond to articles in Offshore, or to offer articles for publication, contact the editor by email ([email protected]) or fax (1-713-963-6296).
